Hamilton is grappling with an increasing rat problem that is disrupting neighbourhoods and making headlines. For homeowners, this is more than an annoyance; it’s a real threat to property, health, and daily life. While the issue has numerous contributing factors, one of the most significant catalysts is the ongoing construction associated with Hamilton’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we understand the challenges that Hamilton’s residents face. With over three decades of experience, our goal is not just to help you remove rats but also to prevent them from returning. This blog provides a closer look at the worsening rat situation in Hamilton, what’s driving it, the risks involved, and how Skedaddle can help protect your property. 

The Current Situation in Hamilton 

Hamilton has seen a surge in rat complaints in recent years. Just last year, the city received 184 rat complaints, marking a significant number of households dealing with infestations. According to Orkin Canada, Hamilton advanced to the 21st spot among the nation’s “rattiest” cities, solidifying its unfavourable reputation. 

This growing issue is not only a nightmare for residents but also negatively impacts local businesses. Rats disrupt operations, damage supplies, and degrade community morale. 

Quick Stats 

• 2024 Complaints: 184 reported rat issues in Hamilton
• Ranking: 21st on Canada’s “rattiest” cities list (7th in Ontario)
• Businesses at Risk: Restaurants, cafes, and warehouses often bear the brunt of infestations

The numbers make one thing very clear – this problem requires immediate and ongoing attention.   

Why LRT Construction Fuels Rat Infestations 

Construction projects are notorious for disturbing rodent habitats. Hamilton’s LRT construction is a prime example, displacing hidden rat nests and forcing them to seek new shelter. 

Case Study Examples 

• Studebaker Factory Demolition: When the former Studebaker factory on Victoria Street was demolished, nearby neighbourhoods reported a sharp increase in rat sightings.
• 2015 Roadwork: Construction on King Street and Queenston Road also prompted significant rodent migration into surrounding areas.
• Ottawa LRT Experience: Similarly, Ottawa witnessed a 25% rise in rat complaints during its LRT construction phase, proving this is not exclusive to Hamilton.

The LRT construction’s extensive digging into sewers and underground pipes will undoubtedly disrupt stable rat populations, displacing them from downtown areas into nearby homes and businesses. Without proactive measures, this issue will only escalate. 

Health and Structural Risks from Rats 

Rats aren’t just disturbing – they’re destructive and dangerous. Understanding the risks they pose can help you take the necessary precautions. 

Health Concerns 

Rats are carriers of serious diseases, including:

• Hantavirus: Spread through contact with rat droppings, urine, or saliva, this can lead to severe respiratory complications.
• Leptospirosis: Transmitted through water contaminated with rat urine; it can cause liver and kidney damage in severe cases.
• Salmonella: Rat feces often spread bacteria that lead to gastrointestinal infections and food poisoning.

Property Damage 

Rats can cause extensive damage in their search for food or shelter:

• Chewing Hazards: Rats gnaw on electrical wires, posing a significant fire risk.
• Material Destruction: They destroy insulation, drywall, and wood, compromising structural integrity.
• Plumbing Damage: Rats chew through plastic plumbing pipes, causing water leaks.

Their ability to squeeze through holes as small as a quarter means no space is off-limits. 

Prevention and Control Measures 

Taking steps to reduce the risk of rat infestations is crucial, and both city efforts and individual actions make a difference. 

City-Led Initiatives 

Hamilton is working on a pest bylaw requiring large-scale construction projects like the LRT to implement rat control measures. Metrolinx, the provincial transit agency, has also committed to taking preventive steps during construction. 

What You Can Do as a Homeowner 

To protect your home, you can implement the following rat prevention tips:

1. Eliminate Food Sources: Store garbage in tightly sealed bins and keep pet food indoors.
2. Control Landscaping: Trim tall grasses and shrubs near your property and remove any clutter or woodpiles that can serve as hiding spots.
3. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks or holes and seal them with durable materials like steel wool or sheet metal.
4. Proper Waste Management: Dispose of waste securely and clean up fallen fruits, garden debris, and bird seed regularly.

These small changes can go a long way in making your property less attractive to rats. 

Skedaddle’s Humane and Lasting Rat Control Solutions 

When it comes to tackling rat infestations, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offers reliable, long-term solutions you can count on. We not only remove the rats safely and humanely but also seal entry points and implement effective measures to keep them from coming back. 

With decades of experience, our team uses a proven three-step approach that ensures comprehensive removal and prevention. 

1. Assess and Remove 

Our trained technicians inspect your entire property to locate nests, entry points, and problem areas. Using humane and effective methods like one-way doors, we ensure the safe removal of all rodents. 

2. Clear and Clean 

We don’t just stop at removal. Rats leave behind droppings, urine, and other harmful bacteria. Our team thoroughly cleans and disinfects affected areas to ensure your home is safe and sanitary. 

3. Prevent and Protect 

We seal all entry points using durable, high-quality materials to prevent future infestations. Our thorough rat-proofing process includes identifying even the smallest cracks and gaps that rodents could exploit.

By addressing these vulnerabilities, we ensure that your home remains secure and protected from pests for years to come, providing you with long-term peace of mind. 

Looking Forward 

Hamilton’s growing rat issue is a challenge that requires collaboration from city authorities, businesses, and residents alike. The severity of the problem highlights the need for proactive measures and reliable solutions. 

If you suspect rats are invading your property, don’t wait. Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control today to address the issue immediately. Our expert team is here to safeguard your home and help you reclaim your peace of mind. 

Contact us now to schedule an assessment and ensure your property is protected. 

Citations:

• “Could LRT Work Spur Rat Issues in City? Residents, Experts Weigh In.” The Hamilton Spectator, https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/could-lrt-work-spur-rat-issues-in-city-residents-experts-weigh-in/article_fb9a2ae9-f654-5b2b-a605-a16154db811e.html. Accessed June 5, 2025.
• “Light Rail Transit (LRT).” City of Hamilton, https://www.hamilton.ca/city-council/plans-strategies/light-rail-transit-lrt.
• Egan, Kelly. “LRT and Rat Packs: Big Dig Sparks Infestations in East End.” Ottawa Citizen, 20 Sept. 2017, https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/egan-lrt-and-rat-packs-big-dig-sparks-infestations-in-east-end.
• “Rats.” City of Hamilton, https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/house-home/pest-control/rats.