It might just be the last thing you want to worry about during a global pandemic. Metropolitan cities, like Toronto, have been experiencing a heightened number of rodent infestations in residential properties since the initial quarantine has started.
Coronavirus Toronto rat breakout
News outlets in Toronto have been reporting an increase of rats and other rodents making their way into family homes. Since social distancing rules have been put in place, many restaurants and bars have had to shut their doors or limit the hours of operations. This has caused a decrease in food supply for rodents in the city’s “hot spots” where rats often populate. As a result of this, rats are out looking for a new place to feed and have found their way into residential neighbourhoods.
Citizens have reported rat sightings in places that have never seen a problem with rodents before. Rodentologist, Dr. Corrigan recently told BBC that rats “can wander quite a distance and end up in a different neighbourhood completely that had no rats prior.” Rats are extremely adaptable and will relocate as needed to feed. Although getting rats to leave once they settle isn’t as simple. Rats have a very strong sense of smell and can easily locate a food source. Powerful teeth make it easy for rats to get through simple barricades like fabric, plastic and wood. Once rats find a food source and establish their new hangout, they start populating the area, making it home to generations of rodents who will most likely continue to live in that spot.
Investigations can be dangerous to your health
Having a rodent infestation can cause significant damage to your home, but it can also come with some serious health risks too. Rats and other small rodents can carry and spread diseases. There hasn’t been any evidence of rats being able to carry COVID-19, but they have been linked to about 55 other viruses. If an infected creature ends up in your home, these diseases can be transmitted into bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens, ultimately infecting those who live there. It’s best to try and tackle the problem of an infestation before it even happens.
Pest Prevention in Toronto
The first thing you want to do to prevent a rodent infestation is to make sure that all entrances, windows and any holes in your home are tightly sealed. You also want to make sure you don’t have any clustered areas in your home, as rats will see this as a convenient hideout. Cleanliness overall is key to preventing rodents from making a home out of your own house. The smallest trail of food can attract a whole colony of rats, especially because they’re food supply has recently been limited. Hungry rats often get desperate to feed, which makes them more likely to fall for traditional food-bait traps. Below is a list of supplies you can purchase that will help with rat prevention in Toronto:
- Rat bait station
- Earth care odour control
- Weighted rat bait station
- Tomcat pre-filled disposable rat bait statio
- Wooden rat trap
Professional Toronto exterminators are warning the public that if they see one rat or rodent in their home, that there’s probably a few friends and family hiding somewhere nearby. Don’t underestimate the problem! Contact us for a professional pest control inspection.
At Advantage Pest Control, we are currently providing contactless services. If you or someone you know is experiencing an infestation and has inquiries for an exterminator in Toronto, call 416.840.4040 or emailinfo@advantagepestcontrol.comfor a free estimate on pest removal.
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