Identifying Rodents in Your GTA Home

House Mouse (Mus musculus): Small (6–9cm), grey or brown, large ears. Can squeeze through any gap as small as 6mm — the width of a pencil.

Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus): Much larger (19–27cm), heavy-bodied, blunt nose. Powerful burrowers that enter through foundation gaps, floor drains, and utility penetrations.

Signs of a rodent infestation

Droppings along walls, in cupboards, behind appliances — mouse droppings 3–6mm, rat droppings 12–20mm
Gnaw marks on food packaging, wiring insulation, wood, and baseboards
Grease marks (dark smears) along baseboards where rodents travel regularly
Shredded nesting material in concealed areas
Scratching or scurrying sounds at night in walls, ceilings, or under floors

Why Rodents Are a Serious Problem

Health hazards: Mice and rats carry Hantavirus, Salmonella, Leptospirosis, and other pathogens transmitted through droppings, urine, and saliva — even without direct contact with a live rodent. Rodent allergens are a documented asthma trigger, particularly in children.

Property damage: Rodents gnaw constantly to wear down their teeth. Chewed electrical wiring is a leading cause of house fires in Ontario. One breeding pair of mice produces 5–10 litters per year with 5–12 pups each. A small problem becomes a major infestation within months if left untreated.

Why DIY Rodent Control Almost Always Fails

Traps address symptoms, not the cause. Without sealing entry points, new rodents continuously move in from outside. You can trap indefinitely without solving the problem.
Improper placement yields poor results. Mice are neophobic — they fear new objects. Traps placed without knowledge of rodent behaviour produce low catch rates.
Finding all entry points requires expertise. Mice enter through gaps barely larger than 6mm. A trained eye is required to find them all.
Consumer rodenticides create hazards. Improperly placed bait can harm children, pets, and wildlife. Many consumer rodenticides are restricted in Ontario.

How AstraHive Treats Rodent Infestations — Step by Step

Inspection — thorough interior and exterior assessment identifying harborage areas, travel routes, feeding sites, and all potential entry points around the foundation, utility penetrations, and roofline.
Trapping program — strategic snap traps and tamper-resistant bait stations placed along walls, behind appliances, in roof spaces, and in all identified activity zones.
Rodenticide application (where warranted) — Health Canada registered products in tamper-resistant stations, positioned inaccessible to children and pets.
Exclusion work — the most important long-term step. We seal all identified entry points using galvanized steel mesh, steel wool with caulk, expanding foam with wire mesh inserts, and door sweeps.
Follow-up inspection — we return to check trap activity, assess results, and address any newly discovered access points.

What to Expect After Treatment

Trap activity typically peaks within the first 3–7 days as rodents encounter newly placed traps along their established routes.
Activity declines significantly within two weeks of a complete program.
Dead rodents may appear in walls as the population declines — we advise on odour management options.
Exclusion work permanently removes entry points. No new rodents should be able to enter from sealed areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does rodent control cost in the GTA?

Mouse control programs range $200–$450. Rat extermination ranges $300–$600. Exclusion pricing depends on the number and complexity of entry points. Call 905-925-8427 for a free consultation.

How did rodents get into my home?

Mice enter through any gap larger than 6mm. Common entry points include gaps around utility pipes, foundation cracks, gaps under garage doors, poorly fitted door sweeps, weep holes in brick veneer, and unscreened vents. We find and seal them all during our inspection.

Do you seal entry points (exclusion)?

Yes — exclusion is the cornerstone of our rodent program. Trapping without exclusion is a temporary fix. We seal all identified entry points with professional-grade, chew-resistant materials.

Is rodenticide safe for my family and pets?

All rodenticides we use are Health Canada registered and placed exclusively in tamper-resistant bait stations positioned out of reach of children and pets. We follow all label and regulatory requirements.

How long does it take to get rid of mice?

Most mouse problems are resolved within 2–4 weeks with a complete program. Rats typically require 3–6 weeks. We give you a realistic timeline at the time of your free consultation.

Rodent Control GTA — Mouse & Rat Exterminator | AstraHive