Kensington Market, one of Toronto’s oldest and most beloved neighbourhoods, holds a special place in the city’s heart. Renowned for its vibrant shops, diverse eateries, and bustling street markets, it’s a colourful hotspot for both locals and tourists. But Kensington Market’s lively atmosphere hasn’t just attracted people—it’s long been a magnet for another type of visitor: rodents.

Ask anyone who lived in the city a decade ago, and they’ll likely recall the infamous story of the New Seaway Fish Market and why rodent removal in Toronto is so important. This small shop found itself at the center of a rodent scandal that made headlines in 2013. A photograph of three sleek Norway rats enjoying scraps on a shelving unit went viral on social media, leading to a swift inspection and closure by health authorities. It was a stark reminder of how easily rat and mouse infestations can take hold—even in iconic neighbourhoods like Kensington Market.

Fast forward to 2025, and you might be wondering, has the situation improved? Are rodents still running rampant in Toronto? If so, “How do I get rid of rats?” The truth is that while some progress has been made, rodent infestations remain a frequent challenge in Kensington Market and across the city. Here’s what homeowners and businesses need to know about this ongoing battle, based on real-world examples and insights from our experts at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Toronto.

Rodent Removal In Toronto: The New Seaway Fish Market Case Study

The story of New Seaway Fish Market is the perfect case study for understanding just how quickly rodents can take over a space. Located in a building over 100 years old, the shop wasn’t just facing the usual daily challenges of running a business. Its worn structure and unattended entry points became a welcome mat for Norway rats.

According to reports, the store’s owner, Kim Chou, had been advised about a potential rodent issue as early as the fall of 2012. The shop passed a health inspection at the time, but it was conditional—Chou was instructed to act quickly to address the signs of infestation. Unfortunately, like many property owners, he underestimated the scale of the problem. The combination of a busy schedule, an aging building, and lack of proactive rodent control allowed the problem to spiral.

By the time the viral photo surfaced, it was too late. Both customers and inspectors were shocked by the extent of the infestation. Not only was the shop shut down immediately, but it never recovered, closing its doors permanently.

This serves as a cautionary tale for anyone—business owners and homeowners alike. Rodent infestations rarely resolve on their own. Early detection and professional pest control are crucial for stopping the problem before it gets out of hand.

Why Rodents Thrive in Kensington Market

Kensington Market is as much a haven for rodents as it is for people. Its semi-open streets are packed with food vendors, produce, and other tempting goodies that attract rats and mice like moths to a flame. Combine that with the area’s many century-old buildings, which often have small gaps or cracks, and you have the perfect playground for rodents.

Mice, in particular, are expert sneaks. A mouse can squeeze through a hole no larger than a quarter, while a rat can chew its way through surprisingly tough materials like wood and even concrete. For businesses like restaurants and retailers, that makes rodent-proofing a serious challenge. Even the most diligent cleaning can’t protect you if the underlying structural vulnerabilities are left unaddressed.

Once inside, rodents don’t just eat your food. They contaminate spaces with urine and droppings, chew through wires (which can cause electrical fires), and spread diseases like salmonella and hantavirus.

And, as bad as things can get in Kensington Market, the problem isn’t limited to this one neighbourhood. Urban sprawl and a constant supply of food and shelter mean that Toronto as a whole faces ongoing rodent issues.

How To Get Rid Of Mice In Toronto: Proactive Measures for Keeping Rodents at Bay

Whether you own a business in Kensington Market or a home on the outskirts of the city, the first line of defence against rodents is prevention. Here are some effective steps to take right away:

• Seal entry points: Inspect your property for cracks, holes, or gaps as small as a quarter and seal them up. Don’t wait—rodents are quick to exploit even the tiniest opportunity.
• Store food securely: Use airtight containers for food, whether it’s in a shop, restaurant, or your kitchen pantry. Rodents have a keen sense of smell and will find even slight traces of food left out.
• Practice regular cleaning: Sweep up crumbs, take out the trash often, and avoid letting clutter pile up.
• Trim outdoor vegetation: Shrubs, overgrown branches, and firewood piles too close to walls make it easier for rodents to climb or hide.

While these steps are a great starting point, they might not be enough to fully protect your property. That’s where professional help comes in.

Why Choose Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we know how quickly rodents can go from nuisance to full-blown invasion. With decades of experience across Toronto and beyond, we’ve seen it all—mice burrowing into walls, rats nesting in attics, and even squirrels and raccoons tearing through roofs.

Here’s why our approach stands out:

1. Thorough rodent-proofing
   We don’t just remove rodents; we ensure they can’t come back. Our team identifies and seals off even the smallest entry points to keep your home or business rodent-free.
2. Humane solutions
   At Skedaddle, animal welfare is a priority. We use humane techniques, such as one-way doors, that safely evict wildlife from your property without causing harm.
3. Comprehensive clean-up
   Rodents leave behind messes—droppings, urine, and nests—that pose health risks. Our team doesn’t just remove these messes; we decontaminate the space to restore cleanliness and safety.
4. Lifetime guarantee
   We’re so confident in our workmanship that we offer a lifetime guarantee. Once we’ve sealed up your property, those pesky intruders won’t be able to come back.

The Stakes Are High

The consequences of ignoring a rodent infestation can be far-reaching. Beyond the obvious sanitary concerns, rodents can cause significant financial and reputational damage. The story of New Seaway Fish Market is the perfect example of how quickly things can go wrong. A single viral photo not only shut down a business but became a lasting cautionary tale nearly a decade later.

For homeowners, the threat is just as real. A single overlooked infestation can multiply into a costly nightmare—with rodents chewing through wiring, nesting in insulation, and potentially introducing diseases to your family.

If you spot signs of rodents—chewed wires, droppings, or strange noises in the walls—the time to act is now. Delaying only makes the problem worse.

Protect What Matters Most

Toronto’s charm lies in its vibrant neighbourhoods, and Kensington Market is no exception. But stories like the New Seaway Fish Market remind us that even beloved areas face challenges. Rodents are persistent and resourceful, but with proactive steps and the help of professionals, they don’t have to be your problem.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Toronto, we’re committed to protecting homes and businesses from wildlife invasions. Our team combines decades of expertise with humane practices to deliver lasting results, and our lifetime guarantee means we’ll always have your back.

Whether you’re in Kensington Market or another part of the city, know that help is just a call away. Don’t wait for a photo-worthy disaster to strike—contact us today for a consultation and keep your property safe, secure, and rodent-free.

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