Rodent Prevention and Control

Mice and rats carry disease and can damage property. Everyone can play a role in preventing infestations. Whether you own or rent, keeping your property rodent-proof is essential. Below are tips and resources to help prevent and manage rodent issues.


Reporting rodent issues

  • If you are experiencing rodents inside your home, contact Niagara Region Public Health or call them at 905-356-1538
  • To report a property in disrepair or with garbage and debris that could attract rats, contact Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Services at 905-356-7521 x 8000

Rat

Preventing rodents

The best way to manage rodents is to stop them from entering your home or property. To learn more about prevention and control, visit the Government of Canada website.

Pest control responsibilities

Managing pest control on private property is the owner’s responsibility. If professional help is needed, hire a licensed pest control company. You can find local providers on Canada411.ca.

The Property Standards By-Law requires property owners to:

  • Keep buildings free of conditions that attract pests
  • Install proper screens on windows and openings to prevent entry
  • Follow legal pest control methods under the Environmental Protection Act and Pesticides Act

Landlord and tenant responsibilities

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must keep properties in good repair, ensuring they are safe and habitable. Both landlords and tenants are responsible for resolving pest issues.

For more information or help resolving a landlord and tenant dispute, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

What tenants should do

  • Notify your landlord, superintendent, or property manager immediately
  • Submit a written request to your landlord to address the issue and keep a copy for your records

What to do if the landlord doesn’t act

Landlord’s rights

If a tenant refuses to cooperate with pest control efforts:

  • Provide the tenant with a 7-day notice to cooperate
  • If non-compliance continues, file an application with the Landlord Tenant Board to evict the tenant

Residential rodent control rebate program

This program helps residential property owners cover the cost of professional extermination for rodent infestations in their yards. Eligible owners can receive a rebate of 50% of the total bill, up to a maximum of $200.  Rebates apply to exterior property services only and are available once per calendar year. Do-it-yourself pest control products purchased by the property owner are not eligible for the rebate.

How to apply

Step 1:  Before you apply

  • Ensure all property standards issues or litter concerns are resolved. Contact the City for follow-up if necessary

Step 2: Complete the forms

  • You and your contractor will complete and sign both the Residential Rodent Control Rebate Form and Contractor Information Form
  • Ensure the contractor’s bill includes:
    • Service address
    • Details of exterior yard services only (interior services are not eligible)
  • Keep the original bill of service from the current calendar year (rebates are not retroactive)

Step 3: Submit the forms

Submit both completed forms and receipt by mail, in person, or by email:

City of Niagara Falls
Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Services
7150 Montrose Road
Niagara Falls, ON L2H 3N3
Email: [email protected]

Step 4:  Application review

  • Once approved, the City will issue the rebate cheque to the property owner within 30 days
  • If denied, you will receive an explanation
  • A Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officer may inspect your yard for evidence of infestation or property standards violations

Questions? Call 905-356-7521 x 8000 or email Municipal Enforcement Services.