CAMBRIDGE RAT REMOVAL

RAT REMOVAL PROCESS

Rats in Cambridge

Rats are highly adaptable creatures that thrive in cities like Cambridge, where urban development intersects with natural green spaces. Whether it’s through small cracks in foundation walls, old sewer lines, or gaps around plumbing and utility pipes, these rodents are masters at finding their way indoors. Once inside, they can cause major property damage and pose serious health risks to your family and pets.

Cambridge’s unique blend of historic infrastructure and growing neighbourhoods provides ideal conditions for rat activity. Older areas like Galt and Preston, with aging sewer systems and heritage homes, often see increased rat intrusions—especially as these structures shift over time or undergo renovation. At the same time, rapid development in areas like East Galt and around the new River Mill community is displacing rodents from their burrows, driving them into nearby homes and businesses.

Rats also make use of the city’s green corridors, including the Mill Run Trail, the Grand Trunk Trail, and along the Speed and Grand Rivers. These natural pathways allow rats to move unnoticed between parks, stormwater drains, and residential zones—even homes that are clean and well-maintained aren’t immune to infestations.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we understand how local factors in Cambridge contribute to rat issues. Since 1989, we’ve helped homeowners across Canada tackle infestations using humane and effective methods. Our Cambridge team specializes in full-home inspections, safe removal, and sealing of all entry points to ensure rats stay out for good.

Health Dangers of Rats in Cambridge Homes

Beyond structural damage, rats carry dangerous bacteria and diseases that can threaten the well-being of your household:

Property Damage – Rats chew wood, drywall, and even PVC, compromising your insulation, structural framing, and more.
Fire Risk – In older Cambridge homes with outdated wiring, rats chewing through electrical lines increases the chance of house fires.
Disease Transmission – Rats can spread:

• Hantavirus – Through droppings and urine, leading to respiratory complications.
• Leptospirosis – From contaminated water, potentially damaging kidneys or the liver.
• Salmonella – Transmitted by feces contaminating food and kitchen surfaces.

Why Cambridge‘s Growth Is Fueling Rat Infestations

Cambridge is expanding quickly, with new builds popping up around Franklin Boulevard, Maple Grove Road, and the future Transit Hub near Pinebush Road. While this growth is excellent for the local economy and infrastructure, these active construction zones can unintentionally disrupt long-established rat burrows and habitats. As a result, rodents are displaced and pushed toward nearby homes and businesses in search of new shelter and food sources.

The vibrations caused by heavy machinery, the demolition of older buildings, and earthmoving activities—such as those occurring during the Hespeler Village revitalization project—often disturb rats’ hiding places. This disturbance forces them to flee their usual nests, leading to increased activity in residential and commercial areas where they can invade attics, basements, crawl spaces, and other vulnerable parts of structures.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial to effectively managing rat infestations. Skedaddle’s experienced technicians are well-versed in how rats exploit both newly developed sites and older, established neighbourhoods to gain entry into buildings. We carefully assess the unique risks posed by Cambridge’s evolving urban landscape and employ targeted exclusion techniques to permanently close off entry points. By addressing the root causes of infestations in tandem with the city’s growth patterns, we help homeowners and businesses protect their properties from recurring rodent problems.

Signs You May Have a Rat Infestation

Rats tend to keep a low profile, but they leave behind clear evidence. Watch for:

• Droppings – Dark pellets near baseboards, pantries, or pet food storage./li>
• Gnaw Marks – On food packaging, wood, or electrical wiring.
• Nests – Made of shredded insulation or fabric, often found in basements or behind appliances.
• Noises – Scratching or squeaking in the walls or attic, especially at night.
• Grease Marks or Tracks – Smudges along baseboards or floor joists.

Why DIY Isn’t Enough — You Need Professional Rat Removal

Rats are smart, adaptable, and cautious creatures. While a few DIY traps might seem like a quick fix, they rarely solve the root of the problem — and can even make things more difficult in the long run. Colonies are often much larger and more complex than homeowners realize, with extensive nests and multiple entry points that enable them to come and go at will. Furthermore, using poison can lead to additional problems, as rats may die in hidden spaces within your walls, attic, or ductwork — causing persistent odors, sanitation issues, and even secondary insect infestations.

At Skedaddle, we take a comprehensive, proven approach to rat removal. Our team focuses on identifying all entry points, safely removing the entire colony, and thoroughly disinfecting and decontaminating the affected areas. We then reinforce your home’s defenses to make sure the rats cannot return in the future. We also understand how Cambridge’s unique landscape — from its growing residential developments to its older, character-rich homes — can influence rat behaviour, allowing us to customize our strategies for maximum effectiveness. With Skedaddle’s expertise, you can enjoy peace of mind and a rodent-free home, backed by solutions that last.

How to Keep Rats Out of Your Cambridge Home

Preventative steps you can take include:

• Secure Garbage – Use bins with tight-fitting lids and avoid leaving waste outside overnight.
• Seal Food – Keep human and pet food in airtight containers.
• Tidy the Yard – Clear brush piles, remove fallen fruit, and clean up after outdoor meals.
• Inspect Foundations – Check around utility lines, crawlspaces, and sheds for gaps or chew marks.
• Mind Your Plumbing – Rats can swim and use sewer lines to enter homes. Install backflow preventers where necessary.

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