Not sure where to start? Try the pest next-step tool →
Start with entry routes, not poison
A durable rodent plan begins by finding how animals are entering and what food, water or shelter is keeping them there. Inspect door gaps, utility penetrations, foundations, attached garages, vents, crawlspaces and food or waste storage. Health Canada says rodent-proofing and good sanitation should be used as part of control and that poisoned bait should not be the only method.
Map the evidence before sealing
Droppings, gnaw marks, food damage and repeated noises help narrow the route. Connect indoor evidence to the nearest exterior openings. In multi-unit housing, plumbing chases, garbage rooms and shared walls can make the source larger than one apartment. Report recurring activity early when management controls the relevant structure or common areas.
Traps are part of a monitored plan
Place traps where evidence shows movement rather than scattering them randomly. Health Canada advises checking traps daily and adjusting locations if bait is not being taken. Continue monitoring after the first capture because remaining animals or newly maturing rodents can keep the problem active.
Rodenticide safety changes the decision
If a registered rodenticide is used, the Canadian label controls the site, placement and precautions. Health Canada says tamper-resistant bait stations are required where poisoned bait is accessible to children or pets and notes that commercial-class products are for certified professionals. The presence of pets, children or wildlife makes label compliance and bait placement especially important.
Clean droppings without creating airborne dust
Health Canada advises wearing gloves, dampening droppings and debris before wiping them up, and not sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings because raised dust can cause illness. Dispose of dead rodents carefully and wash hands and exposed clothing after cleanup.
Who handles the problem in a rental?
The answer depends on the province, the building condition and the cause. Structural openings and common garbage areas can point toward a building-maintenance response; tenant-caused sanitation conditions can create a different responsibility question. Use the relevant local guide for the governing route instead of treating responsibility as a Canada-wide rule.