Rats, rats and more rats: exterminators say number on the rise in Toronto

Several exterminators say the number of rats in Toronto is on the rise and one pest control officer is blamingthe rodent population boomon a combination of constructionprojects in the city and the mild winter.

Avery Addison, general managerof Addison Pest Control, says his company has received 10times the number ofrat removal calls this year as compared to the same time last year. Many have been residential calls.

"We are seeing a lot of rats this season. It seems to be far worse than recent years," he said."I think part of the increase could be due to warmer year we've had."

Addison said warmer conditions mean the rats have more time to find food, eat and reproduce. "The extreme cold can kill them off."

He said construction projects can displace large numbers of rats, particularly if an old building that contains a rat population is torn down. He said the Union Station renovation, for example, dispersed "huge numbers" into the city.

"Rats are vermin. They get into dirty places," he said.

Witnesses have seen more than a dozen ratsscurrying around severalbuildings near the Rogers Centre atFront and John Streets in downtown Toronto.

But cityofficials told CBC Newstheydonot track the number of rats that call Torontohome.

They said Municipal Licensing and Standards would investigateif a resident were to filea complaint regarding property standards andToronto Public Health would investigate if rats were to makean appearance in restaurants.

Addison says it's important to check your house for any possible ways a rat could enter the premises.

"You'dbe surprised how small of a hole they need to get in," he said. "Sometimes it's a matter of luck. You leave the garage door or front door open for a few moments while you are bringing ingroceries and one could scurry in."

Addison saidif residents see a rat in a house, they should get help before it reproduces. He said residents should check the exterior of houses for small openings and should check garage doors that aren't flush with the ground.

"Catch it early. It can get worse quickly."