Rats around Greater Toronto Area homes are larger than mice, with droppings about 1 to 2 cm long and burrows along foundations, decks and sheds. They chew wood, plastic and wiring to reach food and shelter. Activity is often outdoors first, then in garages, basements and wall voids.
They often start in a burrow outside. Once they find a gap into the garage or basement, they travel inside walls the same way mice do. The burrow outside is usually still there.
City of Toronto rodent service requests rose from 1,165 in 2015 to 2,523 in 2024. Warmer winters, more people and construction that moves colonies all play a part.
