Insects and rodent infestations

Rodent infestations can cause disease and costly damage to food.

Our public health inspectors are involved in responding to inquiries and investigating complaints related to infestations.

Infestations in homes may include:

• cockroaches
• mice
• rats
• bed bugs
• silverfish

How can I prevent an infestation?

There are various steps you can take to prevent pests from entering your home.

Outside your home:

• keep outside garbage areas clean
• garbage must be stored in spill-proof containers with tight-fitting lids
• keep doors and windows closed unless they are screened and ensure all entrances have weather stripping to prevent pest access
• check the perimeter for potential entry points
• seal outside openings where rodents can enter with coarse steel wool
• use sheet metal around pipes and electrical conduits

To limit infestations of smaller pests, block, seal or caulk cracks and crevices around foundations and access points to wall cavities.

Inside your home:

• store food in tightly sealed plastic or glass containers
• store all food at least 15 cm (6 inches) off the floor on shelves or racks for easy cleaning
• remove any and all available food and water sources
• repair water leaks and clean spills immediately
• wrap or insulate pipes that have excessive amounts of condensation
• look for sealable access points around baseboards, air vents, sinks and other areas where pipes, plumbing and electrical wires enter your home

If you would like more information, would like to speak to a public health inspector, or make a complaint, you can submit your question or complaint electronically or contact us directly.

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This item was last modified on October 8, 2024