525 Mill St, Neustadt ON
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Proudly serving Southwestern Ontario since 2007
Rodent Control in Southwestern Ontario
Mice and rats can cause significant property damage, contaminate food and feed, and create health concerns in homes, businesses and agricultural buildings. Rodent infestations can also be difficult to manage without professional help.
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Rural Routes Pest Control provides professional mouse and rat control across Southwestern Ontario, helping property owners address existing infestations and reduce the risk of recurring rodent activity.
Need Help With Mice or Rats?
Whether you've spotted a rodent or noticed signs of an infestation, our team can help. Tell us what you're experiencing and we'll help you determine the next steps.
Signs of a Mouse or Rat Infestation
Rodents are often active when people aren't around, so you may notice evidence of their presence before seeing an actual mouse or rat.
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Common signs of rodent activity include:
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Droppings: Small, dark droppings around food storage areas, cupboards, floors or other sheltered spaces.
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Scratching or Scurrying Sounds: Noises coming from walls, ceilings or other enclosed areas, particularly at night.
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Gnaw Marks: Damage to food packaging, wood, plastic and other materials.
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Nesting Materials: Shredded paper, fabric, insulation or other soft materials gathered in sheltered locations.
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Unusual Odours: Persistent musky smells that may become stronger as rodent activity increases.
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Burrows or Tracks: Small openings in soil, tracks in dusty areas or signs of regular movement along walls.
Even a small amount of rodent activity is worth investigating. Mice reproduce quickly, and an infestation can grow before it becomes obvious.
Common Rodents in Southwestern Ontario
The three rodents described below are among those property owners may encounter in our region. Understanding their appearance and behaviour can help you recognize a potential infestation.
Norway Rat
Norway rats are large, stocky rodents with brown or greyish-brown fur, relatively small ears and thick tails. They are strong swimmers, capable climbers and skilled burrowers.
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These rats are commonly associated with ground-level environments, particularly where food, water and shelter are readily available. Their gnawing and burrowing can damage building materials and surrounding property.
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Norway rats are naturally cautious, which can make an established infestation challenging to control. They can also contaminate food and feed through contact with their droppings and urine.
House Mouse
House mice are among the most common rodents found inside Ontario buildings. They typically have grey or brown fur, lighter undersides, relatively large ears and long, thin tails.
Their small size allows them to squeeze through surprisingly narrow openings. Once indoors, house mice can reproduce rapidly when conditions are favourable.
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House mice feed on seeds, grains and a wide range of human and animal foods. Their habit of nibbling in multiple locations can result in contamination throughout affected areas.
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Droppings, urine odours and gnaw marks are common signs of house mouse activity.
Deer Mouse
Deer mice are native to Ontario and are commonly found in wooded areas, fields and other natural environments. They have brownish fur, white undersides and feet, and distinctly two-toned tails.
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Unlike house mice, deer mice do not depend on human buildings for survival. However, they may enter homes, cottages, sheds and other structures, particularly when seeking shelter.
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Deer mice are important to recognize because they can carry hantaviruses, which may cause serious illness in humans. Although infections are rare in Canada, precautions should be taken around rodent droppings, urine and nesting materials.
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Important: Avoid sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings, as this can release potentially contaminated particles into the air. Follow appropriate public health guidance when dealing with rodent contamination.
