A variety of small rodents are found throughout Ontario. Species include deer mice, house mice and Norway rats. These animals can live in urban and rural areas, often in close association with humans.
Signs of a rodent infestation include a live sighting, droppings, tracks or footprints, gnaw marks, rub marks, nests and damaged goods, such as food.
Rats prefer damp environments. In urban centres, rats may be found in sewage systems or in other areas where food is easily available. If suitable food is available, they will often stay within 20 metres of their nests.
Deer mice may be the most abundant mammal in Ontario. They are found in woodlands, open grasslands, semi-rural areas, farmyards and fields.
House mice can live anywhere in a house. They nest in wall spaces, under floors and around cupboards or under counters.
In the wild, small rodents are eaten by many other animals and birds. However, if they are living indoors close to human beings, they are somewhat protected from other animals.
Conflicts happen
People come into conflict with mice and rats when these animals nest and reproduce in houses, attics and other buildings.
Please keep in mind…
Wild animals have the same basic needs as humans – food, water and shelter. Sometimes, humans and wild creatures come into conflict when animals are trying to meet their basic needs. Often, conflicts can be prevented if we're willing to make small changes to how we think and act.
People and wild animals live side by side in Ontario. We all share responsibility for preventing and handling human-wildlife conflicts. If you must take action against wildlife, please consider all your options and follow all relevant laws and regulations.
Conflicts with Mice and Rats
How Can I Prevent Conflicts?
Limit food sources
• Don't attract mice. Always clean up spilled food and wash dishes right away.
• Always store food, water and garbage in metal or heavy plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
• Do not leave pet food or water out overnight.
• Clean up spilt seeds under bird feeders.
• If you are having a rodent problem, consider removing your bird feeder permanently.
• Place bafflers above and below feeders to prevent rats from gaining access to feeder foods.
Make your property unwelcoming
• Seal holes around doors, windows and roofs with steel wool or cement. To discourage digging and nesting, place gravel around the base of the building.
• Remove any abandoned vehicles, old tires or cast-off furniture from your property. Cut back thick bush and keep grass short. Keep woodpiles, hay and trash cans off the ground and away from your home.
• When hiking or camping, use a ground cover or a tent with a floor. Try to avoid areas where there are rodent burrows or droppings. It's always wise to use bottled or disinfected water.
How Can I Handle a Conflict?
If a mouse or rat is nesting in your home
• Set traps indoors. Use spring traps baited with rolled oats, peanut butter, bread, cheese, chocolate or lightly cooked bacon.
• Douse dead rodents, used traps and nests with household disinfectant. Dilute household bleach by mixing 15 millilitres of bleach in one litre of water.
• Always use rubber or plastic gloves when handling dead rodents and other materials. Put them inside a plastic bag. Seal the bag, then put it in a sealed garbage can or bury it.
• Rinse gloves in disinfectant or diluted bleach before you remove them. Wash gloves and hands in hot soapy water.
• Always wear rubber gloves when cleaning up signs of mice. Open windows/doors for a half-hour before and after cleaning to air out the area.
• Wet floors to minimize dust. Damp-mop and wash floors with soap, water and disinfectant. Do not vacuum or sweep bare floors before mopping.
• Wear a breathing mask if the area is poorly ventilated. Wash countertops, drawers and cupboards with disinfectant. Wash any clothing or bedding contaminated with droppings. Dry them in the sun or in a hot dryer.
For more information and assistance…
To locate a local wildlife control agent or pest control company…
• Speak with your neighbours, family, and friends.
• Look for "animal control" or "pest control" in your phone book or online.
For information on rodents…
• Call your local Ministry of Natural Resources office or the Natural Resources Information Centre at 1-800-667-1940.
For information on how to prevent conflicts with rodents…
• City of Toronto
• Call your local public health unit
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