Rodents

No one wants uninvited guests like rats or mice in their home. They can cause damage, spread germs, and be a general nuisance.

Stop rodents before they get inside

The best way to deal with rodents is to keep them out in the first place. Here’s how you can make your home less appealing to them:

• Seal up holes and cracks: Check for tiny gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and vents. Even a hole the size of a dime is enough for a mouse to squeeze through. Use caulking or steel wool to seal them.

• Tidy up your yard: Tall grass, woodpiles, and clutter make great hiding spots for rodents. Keep things neat and away from your house.

• Put food away: Store food, including pet food, in airtight containers. Don’t forget to clean up crumbs and spills right away.

• Take care of your garbage: Use bins with tight-fitting lids, and take the trash out regularly.

• Fix drips and leaks: Rodents look for water, so repair any leaky faucets or pipes and get rid of standing water.

How to tell if you have rodents

Even with prevention, rodents can sometimes sneak in. If you think they might be in your home, check for these signs:

• Droppings: Small black pellets in cupboards, drawers, or along walls

• Scratching noises: Especially at night in walls or ceilings

• Chewed-up items: Look for gnaw marks on wires, furniture, or food packaging

• Damage food items: Damaged food packages or crumbs in your pantry

• Holes near building foundations: Rats, especially, like to burrow outside your house

If you notice any of these, it’s time to act quickly before things get worse.

Clean up safely after rodents

When cleaning up rodent droppings or nests, take precautions to prevent the spread of pathogens. Follow these steps to protect yourself:

1. Gear up: Put on gloves and a dust mask.

2. Spray first: Use a household cleaner or a mix of bleach and water to wet down droppings or nests. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

3. Wipe carefully: Use a damp cloth or mop to clean up. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming since this can spread pathogens into the air.

4. Wash what you can: Throw clothes and bedding in the laundry with hot water and detergent. Dry them on high heat.

5. Dispose safely: Double-bag droppings and nests in garbage bags and toss them in your outdoor trash bin.

6. Clean yourself up: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water when you’re done.

Can rodents make you sick?

Rodents can carry pathogens that sometimes make people sick. Here are a few illnesses they might spread:

• Hantavirus: A serious respiratory illness that comes from breathing in germs from rodent droppings.

• Salmonella: A common foodborne illness that can make your stomach upset.

• Leptospirosis: Spread through rodent urine, it can cause flu-like symptoms.

• Tularemia: A rare disease from direct contact with rodents.

The good news? These illnesses are rare, and you can lower your risk by cleaning up properly and keeping rodents out.

What to do if rodents keep coming back

If your prevention efforts aren’t working, consider the following additional measures:

• Set traps: Place traps along walls or in corners where you’ve seen signs of activity. Check them daily and remove captured rodents carefully.

• Use bait or repellents: These can help, but make sure to keep them away from kids and pets.

• Call a professional: If traps and baits aren’t doing the trick, it’s time to contact a pest control expert.

For more tips, visit the Government of Canada’s pest control page.