10 Most Common Questions About Rodent Control In Edmonton

Rodents—they’re like those unwelcome guests who show up late, eat all your snacks, and then make themselves way too comfortable. What’s more? As they settle into your home, they’re more than likely to turn your Edmonton home into their Airbnb.

With the colder months ahead, mice, rats, and their furry friends are eyeing your place as the perfect spot to cozy up. So before you find yourself playing host to a swarm of freeloading pests, let’s answer some common questions you may have about rodent control.

1. What Are the Most Common Rodents Found in Edmonton?

Edmonton’s mix of green spaces, homes, and harsh winters makes it an ideal spot for rodents looking for warmth. They often find refuge in homes, garages, and yards, where they can nest and feed undetected.

Some common rodents you’ll find are:

• House Mice: These tiny invaders are Edmonton's most common rodent pests. They’re drawn to warmth, food, and shelter. Your pantry and cozy attic are their ideal winter getaway.
• Norway Rats: While Alberta has long boasted about being “rat-free,” some determined Norway rats still make their way into urban areas. They prefer basements, sheds, and garages, and can chew through almost anything to get inside.
• Voles: These burrowing critters are notorious for tearing up lawns, especially during Edmonton’s colder months when they tunnel under the snow in search of food.

2. How Can I Tell If I Have a Rodent Infestation?

Rodents seem to leave some pretty tell-tale signs when they move in.

• Droppings: Small, dark pellets often found in cabinets, attics, basements, and along walls.
• Scratching Sounds: Particularly in walls or ceilings, especially at night when rodents are active.
• Gnaw Marks: Chewed-up furniture, wires, or food packaging indicate rodents are gnawing away at your home.
• Nests: Rodents make nests out of shredded paper or fabric, often in dark, hidden corners like basements or attics.
• Footprints: Tiny tracks in dusty areas of your home can point to rodent activity, especially in less-trafficked spaces.
• Strange Smells: A musty, ammonia-like odour in certain areas of the home may indicate urine from a rodent infestation.
• Unusual Pet Behaviour: Cats or dogs may suddenly become interested in specific areas of your home where rodents are hiding, alerting you to a potential problem.

3. Why Do I Keep Getting Rodents in My Home or Yard?

Rodents are opportunists, and your home may be providing exactly what they're looking for—food, water, and shelter. If your yard has easy access to food sources like pet food, bird seed, or open garbage bins, rodents will make themselves at home.

In Edmonton, the cold climate drives these critters indoors, seeking warmth during fall and winter. Homes with small cracks, poorly sealed doors, or unmaintained yards are practically sending out engraved invitations for rodents to scurry in.

Regular maintenance, sealing entry points, and managing food sources can make your home less attractive to these unwanted guests.

4. Are Rodents Dangerous to My Health?

Yes, rodents pose significant health risks. They’re known carriers of diseases such as Hantavirus, which can cause severe respiratory issues, and Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that affects the kidneys and liver.

Salmonella—another serious concern—can be transmitted through contact with rodent droppings or urine, contaminating food surfaces and leading to foodborne illnesses. Rodent droppings and urine can also trigger allergies, exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma, and spread airborne pathogens when disturbed.

In addition to health risks, rodents chew through electrical wires, potentially sparking house fires. Their ability to gnaw on insulation and wood further weakens structural integrity, making rodent infestations both a health and safety concern.

5. What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Rodents from Entering My Home?

There are a few ways you can rodent-proof your home.

• Seal entry points: Inspect your home’s foundation, walls, and roof for cracks or holes. Use caulk, steel wool, or weather stripping to block any gaps.
• Secure food sources: Store pantry goods, pet food, and birdseed in airtight containers to remove temptations.
• Reduce clutter: Keep basements, attics, and garages tidy, as rodents love hiding in cluttered spaces.
• Maintain a clean yard: Regularly remove leaf piles, and fallen branches, and keep grass trimmed to prevent outdoor nesting sites.
• Focus on seasonal changes: During fall and winter, rodents seek warmth indoors, so ramp up preventive measures during these colder months.

6. How Do Professional Pest Control Services Handle Rodent Infestations?

Professional pest control services begin with a thorough inspection of your home and property to identify rodent entry points and assess the severity of the infestation. They employ methods such as baiting, trapping, and exclusion to eliminate rodents and prevent them from returning.

Professionals also focus on long-term solutions like sealing entry points and offering advice on maintaining a rodent-free environment.

Compared to DIY methods, professional services are more effective, especially for large or recurring infestations. Experts have access to specialized equipment and knowledge to ensure complete eradication and future prevention.

7. Are There Eco-Friendly or Humane Rodent Control Options?

Yes, eco-friendly and humane rodent control options exist. You can try natural deterrents like repellent plants and essential oils. The lavender plant or peppermint oil, for example, is known to repel rodents.

There are also humane traps that allow you to catch and release rodents without harm. For larger infestations, professional pest control services like Buzz Boss offer eco-friendly solutions.

We use humane methods, such as live trapping and exclusion techniques, which keep rodents out without harming them. In Edmonton, Buzz Boss is committed to providing effective rodent control while being mindful of the environment and animal welfare.

8. Can Rodents Damage My Property?

Yes, rodents can cause significant damage to your home. Here’s how:

• Chewing through electrical wires: This can increase the risk of electrical fires, which is a major hazard.
• Damaging insulation: Rodents often nest in insulation, tearing it apart and reducing its effectiveness in regulating your home’s temperature.
• Gnawing on wood and drywall: Their constant gnawing can weaken wood structures, compromising the stability of walls and floors.
• Burrowing under foundations: Rodents like rats can burrow, potentially causing structural damage to your home’s foundation.
• Costly repairs: The damage caused by rodents can result in expensive fixes, so early intervention is key to preventing bigger issues down the road.
• Contaminating HVAC systems: Rodents can find their way into ductwork, leaving droppings and urine that contaminate your air system.

9. What Should I Do If I Find a Rodent in My Home?

First things first: don’t panic! You’re not in a horror movie—though the surprise appearance of a rodent might make it feel like one. Start by sealing off the area to prevent the little critter from escaping to other parts of the house.

Remove any food sources (because who wants to serve up a welcome platter?), and be sure to clean the area thoroughly. If you’re seeing more signs like droppings, gnaw marks, or hearing scurrying noises, it’s probably time to call in the pros.

10. How Do I Know If It’s Time to Call a Professional Pest Control Service?

If you’ve tried every DIY trick in the book and the rodents are still treating your home like their humble abode, it’s time to call the professionals.

Large infestations, multiple sightings, or recurring rodent problems are solid signs that your problem is bigger than it seems. Older homes with cracks and hidden entry points, or properties that back up to wooded areas, are also at a higher risk.

Stay Rodent-Free and Worry-Free with Buzz Boss

Stop the rise of the rodents before it’s too late! Whether you're dealing with an infestation or want to prevent one before it starts, BuzzShield® Rodent has your back. Our pros keep rodents out of your yard and home, all while giving you peace of mind.

We’re proud to serve Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and the Okanagan.