Newsletter Update 42
Issue with rats
Place Royale Board of Directors is aware of the issue with rats in Mississauga and has connected with the Region of Peel about the issue. The issue is not isolated to our building but to many buildings that surround Hurontario St. In addition to the Corporations Pest Control Prevention initiatives, the Board of Directors is also working with a Region approved pest control company to get quotes for extra support. We will also be applying for a subsidy to support our work on pest control. A letter was submitted to the Region regarding the pest issue, and we are awaiting a response.
Community effort
Rats travel through neighborhoods to find food, water and shelter. It’s important for community members to work together to prevent infestations in your neighborhood. If possible, work with your surrounding neighbors to remove any conditions that rats need to survive.
Eligibility requirements
• Your exterior property is free from contributing conditions such as junk piles, overgrown vegetation, pet waste, bird feeders, compost piles, etc.
• Your property is a free-hold residential, detached, semi-detached, duplex, or triplex residential home.
• You have hired a Region of Peel approved pest control vendor, between March 22, 2021 and December 31, 2023.
• Agree to provide access to the property upon request to verify information on the application and to ensure contributing conditions if any exist have been addressed.
There is a lot of work being done to manage the issue pertaining to the common areas; if any resident is experiencing issues in their suite you can hire your own Pest Control Provider or speak to the Office and the Corporation Pest Control provider, Aristo Pest Control can provide service for a limited time at the cost of $50.00.
How to identify evidence of rats
• Look for rat burrows or nests around your yard; this is where rats live. Rat burrows are holes in the ground. Burrows are typically found in gardens, under bushes and plants, wood piles, or cluttered areas.
• Look for rat droppings. Rat droppings are commonly found close to waste areas, sources of food and gardens.
• Look for gnaw marks on wood or plastic waste bins, these are markings from a rat’s teeth.
The difference between rats and mice
• Rats are much larger in size.
• Rats have blunt faces, larger heads and feet.
• Rats have smaller pinned back ears and mice have large floppy ears.
Eliminate food supply
We encourage you to store your waste properly. Ensure that the lid of your garbage, recycling and organics bin is closed at all times and your bins are in good condition (e.g. no holes). Avoid leaving pet food outside and clean up any pet waste in your yard. Clean up bird seed that has spilled onto the ground, and until your yard is rat-free consider not using bird feeders. If you have a garden, pick up any fruits or vegetables that may have fallen. Bring in any ripe produce as soon as possible.
Eliminate sources of water
Turn off and drain water fountains or water features. Remove bird baths and turn over containers that can hold water.
Eliminate potential shelter
• Keep your property tidy to discourage rats from nesting.
• Keep wood piles or other materials away from walls, and at least 30 cm (1 ft.) off the ground.
• Keep your grass short. Trim shrubs and plantings.
Eliminate points of entry
• Seal all holes and cracks in foundations, walls, floors and windows. Rats can squeeze through openings the size of a quarter.
• Cover pipes and vents outside the property with fine mesh steel screening.
PCC-239
Place Royale Board of Directors