Rats
Managing Rats in Our Community
Rats can be a nuisance, causing significant problems, from property damage to spreading contamination and health risks. Managing and preventing rat activity is a shared responsibility within our community to ensure a healthy and safe environment for everyone.
Recognizing Signs of Rats
Rats often leave subtle signs of their presence. Be on lookout for these clues to take action quickly:
- Droppings: Typically found near foundations or secluded areas, around 1cm in size.
- Burrows: Fresh digging around foundations or walls, indicating nesting activity.
- Gnaw marks: Visible damage on wood, concrete, or other materials, particularly where food or water is accessible.
- Runs or pathways: Smooth, worn paths along walls, often near stored items.
- Smudge marks: Greasy stains left along walls from frequent rat movement.
Rat Prevention Tips for Our Community
Preventing rats on your property is essential. Maintaining good property standards, removing food sources, and eliminating shelter for rats are key steps in keeping them at bay.
A clean organized environment plays a vital role in keeping rats away. Here are some helpful tips to deter the rats:
- Use rodent-proof containers for your garbage.
- Clear away clutter where rats might hide.
- Ensure there are no food sources left out.
- Secure your green bins properly.
- Clean around bird feeders to minimize potential attractants.
A Message From Your Councillor
I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each of you who has reached out to my office regarding the growing rat issue in our neighbourhood. Your reported observations are vital in helping us understand the scope of the problem and take appropriate action.
I want to assure you that I am fully aware of the severity of the rat problem in our community. Last year, I submitted a formal inquiry to City staff specifically addressing this issue in our ward. Their response detailed the City’s approach to managing rat-related concerns:
- Service Requests: The City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health respond to rat issues through service requests submitted via 3-1-1.
- Investigation of Private Property: By-law and Regulatory Services (BLRS) investigate reports of rodent activity on private property in accordance with the Property Standards By-law.
- Prevention Resources: City staff provide valuable resources to assist residents in preventing and addressing rat infestations, including guidelines on proper food storage and waste management.
Together, we can work toward effective solutions for our community. Thank you for your continued support and vigilance.
For more detailed information, I encourage you to visit the following resources:
Open communication is essential as we work together to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all residents. I encourage you to continue sharing your experiences and observations, as your input will guide our efforts to find effective solutions.
What You Can Do
To help us track the situation more accurately, I ask that if you see a rat, please email rats@ottawa.ca and cc me at Tim.Tierney@ottawa.ca. Your reports are crucial in understanding the full scope of the issue, which in turn helps us advocate for timely and effective solutions.
If you’re experiencing a rat infestation, contact a private pest control service to address the
Next Steps and Ongoing Efforts
The City has reestablished an internal Rat Mitigation Working Group that includes representatives from multiple departments like Emergency and Protective Services, Infrastructure and Water Services, Ottawa Public Health, and others. This team is focused on coordinating efforts and ensuring a streamlined approach to tackling the rat problem.
I’m also pushing for faster enforcement of by-laws on both personal and condominium properties, as this is a major area of concern.