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
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton dead following prison attack
Convicted B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton, who preyed on women he lured from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside to his rural pig farm, has died.
'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election
The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.
Ex-husband charged with murder in death of Lumby, B.C., woman
The ex-husband of Tatjana Stefanski – the woman whose disappearance and death set the small town of Lumby, B.C., on edge last month – has been charged with her murder.
Oilers beat Stars, one win away from Stanley Cup berth
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored two power-play goals as Edmonton smothered the Dallas Stars 3-1 to take a 3-2 lead in the NHL's Western Conference final on Friday.
Baby dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to woman who was in police custody
A newborn is dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to a woman in police custody.
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.
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.
DND moving 1,000 employees out of Ottawa office building due to safety concerns
The Department of National Defence is moving approximately 1,000 employees out of an office building in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood, citing safety concerns for its employees.
Man convicted of killing Toronto cop in 1980 granted day parole
A man convicted of murdering a Toronto police officer more than four decades ago has been granted day parole for six months.