How to deal with rats on your property
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with an unprecedented rat infestation and are asking the city to step in and help.
This comes after dozens of rats took over Kylia White and her husband Kelly O’Neill’s property over the past couple of months.
"Thousands of dollars of property is being destroyed, like thousands," White told CTV News Ottawa’s Dave Charbonneau Monday.
Here's what you need to know about rat infestations:
Rats typically come out when they feel safe, according to Jason Constantini, service manager from Orkin Canada.
"If you're seeing them during the day, that usually means there's a larger infestation than a smaller infestation," Constantini told CTV Morning Live's Stefan Keyes Wednesday morning.
Some areas are more infested than others, said Constantini, citing multiple factors, including sanitation and construction in the area.
He notes that infestation picks up in the spring or fall compared to winter.
Constantini shared some tips to deal with the issue.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Look for evidence
Although you may have already seen rats, he suggests looking for further evidence such as droppings around the foundation and runways of the house.
Clean up
"If you do see the droppings, you may need to clean them," he said.
The more clutter you remove, the better, he said, noting that rats shelter under clutter and hidden areas.
He suggests keeping your grass short, having the bushes away from the house and most importantly, having the neighbours on board with you.
Starve them
Get rid of the feeding sources, such as putting the garbage out close to the time it’s getting picked up and always closing your garbage bins.
He notes that the bird feeder is also an issue when it comes to feeding rats, suggesting the use of specialized devices to remove the seeds.
Shut them out
This is the most important step, according to Constantini.
"This is called exclusion," he said. They can use a hole maybe the size of a quarter to get into the foundation.
While you can seal the open area leading to the foundation of your house by yourself, there are companies specialized to do this kind of work, he notes.
There are many materials that can be used to seal open areas, such as cement, he says.
Wipe them out
While there are a lot of laws and stipulations in place around the use of chemicals to wipe rats out, Constantini suggests hiring professional pest control companies.
"Each place is a very unique situation and is treated as such," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Trump election victory 'very unlikely,' but 'possible': former FBI director Comey
Former FBI director James Comey says while he believes former U.S. president Donald Trump "will be defeated" in the upcoming presidential election, he doesn’t think it’s a given.
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Two celestial shows will be visible across Canada this week
Canada is getting not one – but two – celestial shows over the next few days. Keep an eye on the sky for the northern lights and parade of planets!
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection
A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.