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Identification Snapshot
| Colour | Brown to grey-brown, sometimes with a lighter underside |
| Size | 32–46 cm including tail (body roughly the size of a fist) |
| Description | Thick body, blunt or pointed snout depending on species, scaly tail, larger capsule-shaped droppings |
How to Identify Rats
Montreal properties most commonly deal with the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), a stocky rodent with brown-grey fur, small ears, and a blunt nose. Adults typically measure 32–46 cm nose to tail and are strong swimmers and diggers — they’re often found near sewers, foundations, and along waterways before they ever make it indoors. Compared to mice, rats are bulkier, leave larger droppings, and tend to establish burrows rather than small nests.
Key Signs of a Rat Infestation
- Droppings: dark, capsule-shaped, roughly 12–20 mm long, usually found along walls, near food sources, or around burrow entrances
- Gnaw marks: on wood, plastic, and even structural materials — rat teeth are strong enough to chew through some soft metals
- Burrows: smooth, fist-sized holes near foundations, under sheds, or in gardens, often with a worn path leading to them
- Grease marks: dark, greasy smudges along frequently used routes on walls and pipes
- Sounds: heavy scratching, gnawing, or scurrying, often at night, especially in basements, crawl spaces, or between floors
- A strong ammonia-like odour: from urine, especially in areas with sustained activity
What to Do If You Find Rats
Do
- Remove exposed food and pet food from the yard and garage
- Note where you’ve seen burrows, droppings, or activity
- Keep garbage and compost bins tightly sealed
- Call a licensed professional promptly — rat populations grow quickly
- Keep children and pets away from areas with visible burrows or droppings
Don’t
- Attempt to seal burrow entrances yourself without knowing the extent of the colony
- Handle rats, droppings, or nesting material without protection
- Rely solely on consumer-grade traps for an established infestation
- Ignore a single sighting assuming it’s an isolated incident — rats are rarely alone
How to Prevent Rats
- Seal gaps around foundations, utility lines, and vents — rats can squeeze through openings about the size of a quarter
- Store garbage and compost in rodent-proof containers with secure lids
- Keep woodpiles, debris, and dense vegetation away from exterior walls
- Trim tree branches that overhang the roof, and address any gaps around rooflines
- Repair cracks in foundations, sidewalks, and garden walls promptly
- Schedule a professional inspection if you’re near sewers, waterways, or have had past rat activity nearby
Habitat, Diet & Behaviour
Norway rats are burrowing rodents that prefer to nest at or below ground level — near foundations, under decks, in gardens, or close to sewer lines. They’re excellent swimmers and can enter homes through toilets or drains in rare cases. Rats are omnivorous and opportunistic, eating almost anything available, though they favour protein-rich foods. They’re primarily nocturnal and cautious by nature, which is why an infestation can go unnoticed for a while before signs become obvious.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell rats apart from mice?
Rats are significantly larger, with thicker bodies, bigger droppings (12–20 mm vs. a mouse’s rice-grain size), and they tend to burrow outdoors near foundations rather than nest primarily indoors like mice.
Why do I have rats if my home is clean?
Rats are drawn to shelter and access points as much as food. Even a spotless home can attract rats if there are gaps around the foundation, overgrown vegetation, or nearby food sources like garbage bins, bird feeders, or compost.
Are rats dangerous?
Yes. Rats can transmit diseases through droppings, urine, and bites, contaminate food and surfaces, and cause structural damage by gnawing through wiring, insulation, and wood — which can create fire hazards.
How does Optima handle a rat infestation?
We start with a full inspection to locate burrows, entry points, and travel routes, then combine trapping or baiting with exclusion work to seal access points. Outdoor burrow treatment is often part of the plan.
Is rat control safe for pets?
We take pets into account when designing a treatment plan and will walk you through any precautions specific to your property during your free estimate.
Why Choose Optima Extermination
Fast, discreet, and reliable pest control solutions designed to eliminate problems and keep them from coming back.
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We act quickly to assess and treat infestations, helping you regain control of your space without delay.
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Our methods are designed to eliminate pests at the source and reduce the risk of future infestations.
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Client Reviews
Real feedback from Optima Extermination customers across Montreal.
“What an amazing experience with Optima Extermination! The team was professional, knowledgeable, punctual, and incredibly thorough. They took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all of our questions, and made the entire process easy and stress-free. As soon as I called for the service, they were at my door the next morning!”
— Leah D.
“Incredible service from Optima! I called on Sunday morning and by mid afternoon the technician was here to deal with my large wasp infestation. Not only did he take care of the problem, he reassured me that he would come back promptly if I needed further assistance. I highly recommend this company.”
— Dale M.
“We had a great experience with this exterminator. The service was excellent, professional, and reliable. They took the time to explain the problem, provided helpful advice, and made sure we understood the best steps to take. Highly recommended.”
— Vanessa R.
“I called about a mouse problem in my basement, and they came the very next day. Within just two days, the mice were gone! He politely explained the procedure, answered all of my questions, and was friendly and professional throughout. 10 stars!!!!”
— Mel DS.
“My neighbor had a bed bug problem. I called a few extermination companies for my condo as well. In the end, I chose Optima Extermination, and it turned out to be a great choice. The welcome was very warm, the work started right away, and the products used proved very effective. What surprised me most was how friendly and attentive Mr. Gil and his team were, during and after the work.”
— Thanh N.
Residential
Seeing signs of rats around your home? We’ll track down the burrows and entry points and shut them down.
Commercial
Rats near your business can mean serious liability. Get a discreet inspection and a treatment plan built for your property.
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