Canada Rodents Guide and Control

Canada is home to a diverse range of rodents, but some species can be quite problematic for homeowners and farmers alike.

The most common rodents found in Canada are the Norway rat, roof rat, and house mouse. These rodents can cause significant damage to property and spread diseases.

Canada has a long history of rodent infestations, dating back to the early 20th century when rats were first introduced to the country.

Preventing rodents from taking over your home is key to keeping them under control. Prevention is the best way to control rodent problems in your home or business.

Rodents are attracted to food and water, so keeping your kitchen clean is crucial. Get rid of water sources such as open drains and leaky taps and pipes. Keep dry food in glass or metal containers.

Rodents also love clutter, so eliminate possible nesting areas in unused clutter around the garage or house. Cut tall weeds and grass. Keep the garbage in containers that have tight-fitting lids.

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Here are some specific steps to keep in mind:

If you've already got a rodent problem, consider using electronic traps or snap traps, which are effective and easy to use. Live traps are also an option, but be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

In Canada, rodents are a common problem, with over 200,000 wildlife removals and exclusions handled by Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control since 1989.

The most common rodents in Canada are raccoons, mice, and squirrels, with Skedaddle having removed 637 raccoons, 626 mice, and 562 squirrels in the past.

Here are the top rodents removed by Skedaddle:

These rodents can be a nuisance, but the good news is that Skedaddle uses humane removal methods, so you don't have to worry about harming them.

Squirrels can be quite a nuisance, especially when they start to invade your attic or backyard. They're known to be quite agile, but did you know that they're actually not the best climbers? In fact, one type of squirrel, the North American Porcupine, has a hard time climbing trees - it's been found that 30% of them have healed fractures from falling from trees.

One thing to keep in mind when dealing with squirrels is that they're not typically aggressive, but they can still be a problem. They're generally small, ranging from 2 to 3 feet in length, and weigh around 20 pounds.

If you're dealing with a squirrel infestation, it's essential to understand their behavior and habits. For example, porcupines will often use their tail for support when climbing, but they're not the most effective climbers. And, as a fun fact, porcupines can't throw their quills at predators - they're actually quite defenseless in that regard!

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can be a real nuisance for farmers, gardeners, and homeowners in Canada due to their tunneling behavior.

Groundhogs are most affected by vehicle collisions, hunting, trapping, and predation from various species, including domestic dogs.

These rodents thrive near humans and agriculture operations, which have increased their food access and allowed them to construct dens near food sources.

Groundhogs are "true hibernators", meaning their body goes dormant for the entire season, with their heart rate and body temperature falling dramatically during this time.

In the fall, groundhogs store large amounts of fat for hibernation, preparing for the long winter ahead.

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The Yellow-bellied Marmot is a fascinating creature that's adapted to life in the wild. They can be found in open, dry habitats like woodlands, forest openings, and the alpine zone.

One of the most interesting things about Yellow-bellied Marmots is their burrowing behavior. They build burrows into rocky outcrops in meadows or grassy slopes, and spend up to 80% of their life in these underground tunnels!

These burrows are often complex, and can be shared by multiple marmots. In fact, some Yellow-bellied Marmots are social creatures that live in small groups or colonies.

If you're concerned about Yellow-bellied Marmots in your area, it's worth noting that their population is stable, thanks in part to their protected status in many national and state parks.

For more insights, see: Wildlife Conservation

In North York, wildlife control is a big deal, especially when it comes to rodents. Rodent control is key to preventing problems in your home or business.

Consider reading: Strategies for Rodent Control

If you're already dealing with mice and rats, consider humane removal methods, like those used by Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. They've had over 200,000 wildlife removals and exclusions in Canada.

The most common wildlife removal calls in North York include raccoons, mice, and squirrels. In fact, raccoons are the most frequently removed wildlife in the area, making up 637 of Skedaddle's removals.

Here are the top 10 most common wildlife removals in North York, based on Skedaddle's data:

Skedaddle's founder, Bill Dowd, is a hockey player turned wildlife control expert. He's got a degree from Brock University and has spoken at municipalities and educational institutions about urban wildlife.

Snowshoe Hare tracks are surprisingly easy to spot and follow in winter, thanks to their distinctive patterns.

Their white fur in winter makes them well camouflaged, but their tracks give them away.

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Mice are a common rodent species in Canada, weighing between 20 and 40 grams.

They are relatively small, measuring 6" to 7" long including their tail, which has hair on it.

Mice are quick breeders, producing 200 young within four months.

Their droppings are smaller than rat droppings, being rod-shaped with pointed ends.

Mice are brown or gray in color, with small black eyes and relatively short noses.

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Shrews and moles are fascinating creatures that are often overlooked, but they're worth learning about. Shrews are insectivorous mammals that closely resemble mice, while moles are stout-bodied burrowers that live underground.

Shrews can be found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous forests, fields, and salt marshes. For example, the Northern short-tailed shrew is found in deciduous forests in Eastern Saskatchewan to Maritime provinces.

Some shrew species are specialized to live in specific environments. The Smoky shrew, for instance, is found in deciduous forests in the Great Lakes to Maritimes region.

Moles, on the other hand, are primarily found in wet habitats, such as wet forests and marshes. The Star-nosed mole is a good example, as it inhabits wet forests in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Labrador, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

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Here's a list of some common shrew and mole species found in Canada:

These are just a few examples of the many shrew and mole species found in Canada. Each species has its unique characteristics and adaptations to its environment.

Mice are common invaders of homes, seeking water, food, and heat. They can reproduce quickly, producing up to 200 young within four months.

These rodents are relatively small, weighing between 20 and 40 grams, and measuring 6 to 7 inches in length, including their tail. Their tail has hair on it, which is a distinctive feature.

Mice are brown or gray in color, with small black eyes and relatively short noses. They are much smaller than other rodents and are known to contaminate food and spread diseases through their saliva and excrement.

Mice droppings are smaller than rat droppings, being rod-shaped and having pointed ends. They often leave urine and feces behind, which can be a sign of their presence.

Here's a comparison of mouse and rat droppings:

Keep in mind that mouse droppings are often overlooked due to their small size, but they can still pose health risks if left unattended.

Muskrats are one of just a few semi-aquatic rodents in Canada. They occupy a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, streams, ponds, rivers, and lakes with fresh and brackish water.

Muskrats build complex homes with underwater tunnels and dry, above-water chambers. These structures are often built into riverbanks or constructed from sticks.

Interestingly, muskrats will sometimes move into occupied beaver lodges and cohabitate with them.

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If mice and rats have already invaded your home, consider hiring a professional for rodent infestation and removal services.

Prevention is the best way to control rodent problems, but if they're already there, a pest control expert can help eliminate them.

Rodent control options include using pest control services that can safely and effectively remove mice and rats from your home.

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If you hear scratching and scampering sounds in your walls at night, it's a clear sign that you may have a rodent infestation.

Rats and mice breed fast, so it's essential to deal with occasional invaders immediately to prevent a severe infestation.

Damaged food packages and signs of chewing or gnawing are common indicators of a rodent problem.

Urine and droppings are other telltale signs that you're sharing your home with unwanted critters.

Tracks on filthy surfaces can also be a sign of a rodent infestation, often found in areas where food is present.

Holes or burrows around and in foundation walls are a clear indication that rodents are nesting in your home.

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Cleaning up after a rodent infestation can be a daunting task, but it's essential to do it safely and effectively. Wear a dust mask and rubber gloves during cleanup to protect yourself from potential health risks.

Be careful when near droppings and urine, as they can contain diseases and bacteria. Dampen debris and droppings with a water and bleach solution before cleaning the area to prevent the spread of illness.

Don't vacuum or sweep dry droppings, as this can raise dust particles that can cause illnesses.

Muskrats are one of just a few semi-aquatic rodents in Canada, occupying marshes, streams, ponds, rivers, and lakes with fresh and brackish water.

They live in dens built into riverbanks or lodges constructed from sticks, which often have underwater tunnels and dry, above-water chambers.

Muskrats will sometimes move into occupied beaver lodges and cohabitate with them.

There are dozens of different species of rodents in Canada, so if you need help identifying the one you've found, check out this field guide.

If you need additional information or help with rodent identification, I've compiled a list of the most common rodents in Canada, with photos and links to help you find the one you've found.

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