How much does rodent extermination cost?

Costs range from $350 to $1,200 depending on the severity of the infestation, property size, and type of treatment required. We offer a free on-site quote.

What is the warranty duration?

All our treatments come with a written guarantee, typically 60 to 90 days or more depending on the pest type and treatment performed.

Are the products used safe?

Yes, we exclusively use Health Canada approved products that are safe for your family and pets.

Do you offer emergency services?

Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency service. Our response time is 24 hours maximum, often same day.

Do I need to prepare my home before treatment?

Yes, proper preparation is essential for treatment effectiveness. Check our detailed preparation sheets in the Preparation section of our website.

Is your vehicle marked?

No, we use unmarked vehicles for your complete discretion. No neighbor will know the reason for our visit.

Dangers of a Rat Infestation | Diseases & Damage - 514 Extermination

Rats in Montreal: A Growing Threat

The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) is the most common rat species in Montreal. With constant construction, REM projects, and urban densification, the rat population is rising. These intelligent rodents pose a triple threat: dangerous diseases, property damage, and fire risks from gnawed wiring.

Diseases Transmitted by Rats

Leptospirosis: transmitted through rat urine, can cause kidney and liver failure
Rat-bite fever: from bites or scratches, causing fever, rashes, and joint pain
Hantavirus: via dried droppings
Salmonellosis: food contamination through droppings

Parasites Carried by Rats

Rats carry fleas, ticks, mites, and parasitic worms. When a rat dies in your home, its parasites seek new hosts -- potentially you or your pets.

Property Damage

Rat incisors grow approximately 12 cm per year, requiring constant gnawing. They damage walls, PVC plumbing, insulation, stored items, and vehicle wiring.

Fire Risks: The Hidden Danger

Rodents are estimated to cause 20-25% of fires of unknown origin in North America by gnawing electrical wires. In Montreal, aging wiring in older buildings amplifies this risk. Gnawed wires cause short circuits, electrical arcs, and insulation fires.

Signs of a Rat Infestation

Droppings: 12-18 mm, spindle-shaped
Grease marks along walls (rats follow the same paths)
Nocturnal scratching and squeaking
Entry holes 5 cm+ in foundations
Gnaw marks on wood, plastic, and wires
Shredded material nests in sheltered spots

Professional Intervention

Rats reproduce at alarming rates: one female can have 6-12 litters per year. Store-bought traps rarely control established infestations. 514 Extermination uses strategic trapping, professional rodenticides, and physical exclusion. Visit our rodent extermination service for fast results.

Prevention and Exclusion

Seal openings over 1.5 cm with steel wool and cement
Install screens on vents and drains
Secure garbage and compost
Clear dense vegetation near foundations
Repair foundation cracks

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a rat and a large mouse?

Adult brown rats measure 20-27 cm (body only) and weigh 200-500 g, while mice are 7-10 cm and 15-30 g. Rats have wider feet, a blunter snout, and a proportionally thicker, shorter tail. Their droppings are significantly larger (12-18 mm vs. 3-6 mm).

Can rats enter through toilets?

Yes, it's rare but possible. Brown rats are excellent swimmers and can navigate plumbing to emerge in toilets. This occurs more often in older Montreal buildings with aging plumbing. Installing a backflow valve on pipes can prevent this type of intrusion.

How long does it take to eliminate a rat infestation?

The timeline varies by infestation size, but professional treatment typically takes 2-6 weeks. The first week focuses on significant population reduction, followed by eliminating remaining individuals and securing entry points. Follow-up visits confirm complete elimination.

What Are the Dangers of a Rat Infestation?

Rats in Montreal: A Growing Threat

Diseases Transmitted by Rats

Parasites Carried by Rats

Property Damage

Fire Risks: The Hidden Danger

Signs of a Rat Infestation

Professional Intervention

Prevention and Exclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Need a professional exterminator?

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