When winter’s chill arrives in London, Canada, homeowners and business owners grow concerned about unwelcome guests seeking warmth, especially Norway rats tunnelling beneath their properties. These persistent rodents are experts at surviving harsh temperatures by exploiting weaknesses in building foundations and crawl spaces. Properties across the city are vulnerable as rats look for shelter from the cold outdoors.

We’ve seen firsthand how subtle rat tunnelling not only jeopardizes structures but also brings health risks and ongoing challenges if not addressed at their source. If you’re noticing odd ground shifts, unexplained dirt piles, or faint scratching beneath your floors, understanding how Norway rats behave in the winter and acting quickly can make all the difference in keeping your property safe and rodent-free. 

Let’s explore what drives Norway rats to burrow beneath homes and how, with the right strategies and support, you can prevent these clever animals from making your space their winter retreat.

Norway Rats: Behaviour and Cold Weather Adaptations

Norway rats are among the most adaptable rodents found in Canadian cities like London. Their biology and behaviour allow them to thrive in urban environments, and their survival instincts become even sharper during the colder months.

Norway Rats tunnelling in Winter

As temperatures drop, these rats begin searching for stable, warm shelter close to reliable food and water. Norway rats tunnelling under homes or businesses is a direct response to the challenges posed by cold weather.

Their tunnelling behaviour gives them the protection they need:

• Protection from freezing wind and snow
• Access to warmth radiating from home foundations
• Concealment from predators and human activity
• Damp environments are ideal for their sensitive whiskers and fur

As a result, the reality of rats under homes in cold weather is common for many property owners each year. Their clever tunnelling can quickly create hidden but severe issues if left unchecked.

Rats demonstrate remarkable resourcefulness. Using their strong claws and teeth, they dig burrows deep into the soil, sometimes creating elaborate networks beneath lawns, patios, and buildings. These burrows are often difficult to detect until a visible problem arises, such as surface holes or soft ground near your home’s perimeter.

Structural and Environmental Risks of Rat Tunnelling

Norway rat tunnelling poses a variety of risks, both to the physical structure of your property and to the indoor environment your family or customers rely on.

How Norway Rats Impact Home Foundations

Tunnels can weaken the soil that supports your foundation, especially as rats expand their burrows over time. In neighbourhoods around Harris Park or the historic Old East Village, we’ve seen recurring complaints from homeowners whose properties show signs of settling or cracking—often traced back to rat activity.

Main risks include soil erosion beneath foundations, increased moisture around foundations, and related structural issues. Soil erosion can cause foundations to shift or settle, leading to cracks in basement floors or walls as the underlying soil becomes unstable. Blocked or damaged sump pumps and drain tiles can worsen the problem by preventing proper drainage. Additionally, excess moisture and dampness around the foundation can promote mould growth and further compromise the structural integrity of the building.

Health Hazards and Secondary Damage

Beyond structural challenges, there are health concerns. Rats can spread diseases such as leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonella through:

• Their droppings and urine, which contaminate soil and indoor air
• Chewed wiring or plumbing, creating unsafe conditions
• Damaged insulation can reduce heating efficiency and increase energy bills

When rats make their way inside through tunnels, families and business owners may notice changes in indoor air quality or unexplained odours. Quick action is crucial before the problem worsens.

Recognizing the Signs: How to Spot Rats Tunnelling Beneath Your Home

Early detection is key to effective control. Several telltale signs may indicate Norway rats tunnelling under your home:

1. Small holes or disturbed soil near the foundation, decks, or sheds
2. Soft, sagging patches in your lawn or garden
3. Evidence of nesting materials (like shredded fabric or paper) pulled into burrows
4. Scratching, rustling, or squeaking noises at night coming from below the floors
5. Faint ammonia odours or an increase in visible droppings indoors

If you notice any of these warning signs—especially clustered near footpaths, entrances, or utility areas—it’s wise to investigate promptly. Rats are nocturnal and stealthy, often avoiding areas with high human activity. Although they can be tough to spot, these clues provide valuable insights for a proactive response.

How to Prevent Rat Tunnels in Winter

Preventing Norway rat intrusions requires a twofold approach: removing current attractants and physically blocking access points. At Skedaddle, we encourage London homeowners and business owners near Western University or the Covent Garden Market to adopt the following strategies to prevent rat tunnels during the winter seasons:

Immediate Prevention Tips

• Seal gaps or cracks in the foundation using durable, chew-resistant materials
• Keep trash in tightly sealed bins raised off the ground
• Store food for pets and livestock indoors or in rodent-proof containers
• Clear away bird seed from feeders and avoid leaving pet food outside
• Repair or replace damaged vent screens, basement windows, and door sweeps

By eliminating sources of food, water, and shelter, you make your property less attractive to Norway rats seeking winter refuge.

Long-Term Maintenance Tactics

• Trim vegetation several feet away from the home’s base to eliminate hiding spots
• Remove wood piles, debris, or unused landscaping features near foundations
• Regularly inspect the basement and crawlspace walls for holes or moisture
• Maintain gutters and drainage systems to avoid water pooling near foundations
• Monitor and repair any cracks or gaps that appear over time

Being consistent with these measures significantly reduces the risk of new tunnels forming during the cold weather months.

Comprehensive Professional Help: Skedaddle’s Rat Exclusion Process

DIY efforts are often not enough, as Norway rats are cautious and quickly adapt to changes. Our experience shows that successful rat removal combines professional expertise, advanced tools, and ongoing prevention.

At Skedaddle, we begin with a thorough property assessment, using technologies like thermal imaging to identify active tunnels and potential entry points. Our specialists pay particular attention to vulnerable areas, including utility openings, plumbing penetrations, and sunken window wells.

Key steps in our professional rat removal service include:

• Inspecting basements, crawlspaces, and exterior walls for signs of burrowing or nests
• Installing one-way doors to let rats exit but prevent their return
• Sealing all current and likely future entry points with materials resistant to rodent teeth
• Cleaning and sanitizing affected spaces to remove bacteria, waste, and odour
• Advising on landscape and storage modifications to keep your home unwelcoming to rats

The result is more than a quick fix; it’s a layered, scientific approach to rat exclusion.

Long-Term Rat Prevention Strategies After an Infestation

Eliminating an active infestation is critical, but many property owners discover that without long-term strategies, rats may return. They leave pheromone trails and scent markers as invitations to new rodents, so proactive management is essential.

Engage in regular practices to ensure a rat-free environment:

• Schedule seasonal property inspections, especially before and after winter
• Continue sealing new entry points as a regular maintenance task
• Use non-toxic deterrents or devices appropriate for your property
• Maintain clean indoor and outdoor environments: no food, water, or clutter left accessible

Working alongside our clients, we help ensure long-term prevention is sustainable. Regular check-ups and quick action help avoid scenarios like repeated damage seen in high-risk zones near the Thames River corridor.

Best Practices for a Rat-Free Winter Environment

By combining self-directed care and professional support, London homeowners and businesses can successfully prevent Norway rats from tunnelling beneath their properties every winter.

To maintain a rat-free environment, inspect for signs of activity around and beneath your home each week, and secure all food, garbage, and other attractants in tamper-proof containers. Seal potential entry points with steel mesh or concrete, and keep landscaping clear and well-trimmed to reduce hiding spots. It’s also important to schedule regular professional inspections, especially before winter, when rodents seek warmth and shelter indoors.

With these strategies, you can protect your home or business from the rising challenges that Norway rats present each winter season. Transitioning from prevention to ongoing maintenance strengthens property defences year-round. Let’s work together to keep homes and businesses secure, warm, and rodent-free—no matter how cold it gets outside.

Keep Your Home Safe from Winter Rat Intrusions

This winter, the hidden threat of Norway rats burrowing beneath London properties highlights the importance of proactive defence. As these resilient rodents seek warmth and shelter, their tunnelling not only threatens the structural stability of your home or business but also endangers the health and safety of everyone inside. Early detection, combined with strategic prevention and comprehensive exclusion, can stop an infestation before it escalates into costly damage or ongoing contamination.

If you’ve noticed any signs of rat activity, don’t leave your peace of mind to chance. Trust Skedaddle’s decades of experience and proven rat removal techniques to protect your property from cold-weather invaders. Our expert team is ready to assess, treat, and safeguard your space, delivering solutions that last. Take control this season and ensure your home remains secure, comfortable, and rodent-free by reaching out to Skedaddle today.