Rats are a common pest in urban areas like Thunder Bay. The Norway rat, also known as a brown rat, is the most common rat in Thunder Bay. Rats are pests and can be found year-round. They live outdoors and begin to migrate indoors when cool weather approaches. Rats nest in any safe location where food and water are available such as under woodpiles, in abandoned vehicles, between walls or under floors in garages or sheds. Outdoors they will burrow into the ground close to their food source. Rats are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night. Rats will become active during the day if food and water are scarce, or if large infestations occur.
To control rats and keep them off your property and out of your home, you have to get rid of the three things they need to survive: food, water and shelter.
Rat prevention and control video
Risks from rats |
The risk of rats spreading disease in the community is low. However, rats can be a nuisance. They can do a lot of damage to properties. |
Steps to control rats |
Rats can quickly increase in numbers because they are fast breeders. It is unlikely that we will be able to get rid of all the rats but we can try to control the number of them. Step 1: Look for EvidenceLook for other clues that rats are living on or around your property including:
Step 2: Clean-upImportant thing to help keep your home and yard clean and tidy to discourage rats:
Rats communicate and attract each other through urine and droppings:
Step 3: Limit Food SourceRats only need one ounce of food per day to survive. They need to drink every day. Do not provide food and water for rats on your property.
Step 4: Keep Rats Out of Your HomeUse approved traps and poison found at hardware stores to eliminate rats. Rats can get through a space the size of a quarter.
Step 5: Eliminate RatsUse traps and poison found at hardware stores to eliminate rats. It is important that you use caution - traps and poison can be dangerous to people and other animals. Place traps and poison in areas where children and animals cannot access them. If you have a large infestation that you cannot control, hire a licensed pest control company. |
More information |
Visit the Thunder Bay District Health Unit's website and the Canadian Government's website to learn more about preventing and controlling rats. |
Contact information |
Thunder Bay District Health Unit's Public Health Inspector 807-625-5900 or toll-fee 1-888-294-6630 City of Thunder Bay's Infrastructure & Operations Dispatch 807-625-2195 |
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