Esteemed journalist and Toronto resident Robert Fulford wrote in 1999, “Kensington today is as much a legend as a district. The (partly) outdoor market has probably been photographed more often than any other side in Toronto.” In one of the neighborhood’s photographs that came out this January posted on social site Reddit, three rats feast on scraps in a shelving unit at New Seaway Fish Market. Within the same day, health inspectors visited the shop, and shut it down .

Completely getting rid of mice in a semi-open space full of goods and produce as old as Kensington Market is truly a difficult undertaking. However, early signs of infestation merit due diligence. According to news reports, Kim Chou, owner of the mouse-infested shop, takes full responsibility for the problem getting out of control. Although the shop received a conditional pass back in November 2012, Chou was told to handle what seemed like a beginning of a rat infestation.

Dealing with rats infesting homes is very much easier. However, effective mice removal from home areas must be undertaken immediately upon seeing the first signs of an infestation. As house rodents are capable of procreating throughout the year between very short intervals, it wouldn’t take more than a few months before a colony of them becomes too difficult to handle.

As mice usually enter homes through small openings, it is of utmost importance to have these entry points identified, and sealed off immediately. Toronto pest control companies such as Skeddadle Humane Wildlife Control can help homeowners identify these spots, and effectively mouse-proof the entire house. Having been in the business for many years, specialists in Skedaddle have clocked in hours of training, observing, and getting rid of invasive urban creatures such as mice, squirrels and birds.

Jim Chan, food safety program manager of Toronto Public Health, explains that mice can sneak through a hole the size of a quarter. With the rodent’s acute sense of smell, food stores such as New Seaway Fish Market, restaurants and homes will always be tracked down as hot destinations for these animals. Holes at these structures can lead to not only mouse infestation but a full invasion of many cute but pesky urban critters. As the openings become bigger, squirrels, skunks and raccoons may feel welcome inside too; and these bigger creatures pose bigger safety concerns.

When it comes do dealing with urban wildlife, do not delay. By barring the wildlife access to your business or residence with the help of pest control services, you also protect the people who come to your home or establishment from physical attack and potential diseases that these animals may carry.