Toronto homeowners often struggle to keep their properties free from unwelcome visitors, and rats are one of the most persistent culprits. Rats are resourceful, determined, and capable of finding even the smallest entry points to infiltrate homes. At Skedaddle, we often hear from customers who are surprised about how these tiny intruders get inside. If you’ve been wondering how to get rats out of your house or why mice come into homes, understanding their entry methods is the first step to prevention. Here, we’ll outline six lesser-known ways rats sneak into Toronto homes and what you can do to protect your property.

1. Damaged or Weak Foundation  

The foundation of your home may be one of the last places you expect rats to exploit, but these determined rodents know how to take advantage of even the smallest cracks or gaps. Rats only need a space the size of a quarter to squeeze through, and any weakness in your foundation could serve as a potential entry point.  

The foundation of older Toronto homes is particularly prone to wear and tear caused by shifting soil, temperature changes, and years of weathering. Over time, small cracks form, but what might seem like a harmless imperfection to you could be an open invitation to rats. Once inside, they can use these underground entryways to gain access to your basement or crawl space.  

Repairing foundation cracks as soon as they appear can help thwart rodent intrusions. A professional wildlife removal service like Skedaddle is equipped to assess your home and identify these vulnerabilities. Our team specializes in sealing cracks effectively and humanely preventing rats from re-entering your home.  

2. Openings Around Utility Lines  

Many Toronto homes feature utility lines, pipes, and cables that connect to the house through small openings. While these are necessary to bring electricity, water, and gas into your home, they can also unintentionally create easy pathways for rats. The gaps around these lines may widen over time due to weathering or poor initial sealing, making them prime targets for rodents.  

Rats are excellent climbers, meaning even utility access points located higher on your walls are not off-limits. Once they enter through these openings, they can quickly make their way into wall cavities, attics, or basements. The warm and dark surroundings offer ideal nesting conditions.  

Sealing these gaps with durable materials is essential. Expanding foam or silicone caulking can temporarily block entry, but a long-lasting solution typically requires professional intervention. At Skedaddle, we take a comprehensive approach to sealing these gaps, ensuring the materials used are rodent-proof and weather-resistant.  

3. Exterior Vents  

Exterior vents, particularly those for dryers, bathrooms, or kitchens, are practical and necessary for maintaining your home’s airflow and ventilation. However, they also represent one of the most overlooked entry points for rats. Without proper covers or screens, these openings allow rats to crawl through ducts and establish nests inside your home.  

Even vents with flimsy plastic covers are not entirely secure. Rats are notorious for their strong teeth, capable of chewing through thin materials to gain access. Once inside, they may damage ductwork, insulation, and even wiring, leading to costly repairs.  

Replacing traditional vent covers with high-quality metal screens can provide a more secure barrier against unwanted visitors. At Skedaddle, we also recommend routine inspections of these vents to ensure they remain free from damage or looseness. If you suspect rats have already entered, our team can remove them humanely and restore your home’s ventilation system to a rat-free state.  

4. Roof and Eaves  

You might assume that rats, preferring ground-level access, wouldn’t climb to your roof. But the truth is that rats are agile climbers capable of scaling trees, fences, and exterior brick walls to reach your roofline. Once there, they’ll search for weak points such as broken shingles, rotted wood, or loose soffits that give them access to attics or ceilings.  

Toronto’s seasonal weather patterns can accelerate wear and tear on roofs and eaves, creating gaps where rats can easily slip through. Many homeowners don’t realize this entry point exists until they hear scurrying sounds overhead or spot droppings in the attic.  

To protect your roof from rat infestations, it’s critical to maintain roof health and repair vulnerabilities promptly. Clear overhanging tree branches that rats might use as a bridge to your roof. When rats have already infiltrated, Skedaddle’s expert technicians can repair these areas and install barriers ensuring your attic remains off-limits.  

5. Garage Doors and Gaps  

Garages are frequently targeted by rats due to their accessibility and the availability of food, shelter, and nesting materials. Gaps at the base of the garage door, improperly sealed side doors, or cracks in the garage walls create an array of potential entry points. It’s worth noting that some Toronto homeowners inadvertently attract rats by storing pet food, birdseed, or garbage bins in the garage without adequate sealing.  

Even with sturdy garage doors, be mindful of how long you leave them open. Rats are quick to seize an opportunity and may easily dart inside while the door is up. Once they gain access to your garage, they can burrow further into connecting areas of your home.  

Securing your garage requires sealing all gaps and ensuring door weather stripping is intact. Storing items in secure, rat-proof containers can also minimize attractants. If you’re unsure whether your garage is sufficiently secured, an inspection by Skedaddle can identify problem areas and provide the appropriate reinforcements. 

6. Basement Windows  

Basement windows often go unnoticed in discussions about rodent access points, but they’re a surprisingly common way rats enter Toronto homes. Older basement windows with wooden frames are particularly vulnerable since rats can chew through rotting or unreinforced wood to create an opening. Cracks in or around the glass panes also serve as potential entryways.  

Basement spaces often provide the perfect environment for rats—dark, quiet, and filled with potential food sources from storage containers or clutter. Whether the windows themselves are damaged or left open for ventilation, they create an easy passage for these persistent intruders.  

Replacing older windows with secure, steel-reinforced frames can help safeguard your basement. If complete replacement isn’t an option, applying heavy-duty screens or sealing cracks with strong caulking can serve as temporary measures. Skedaddle specializes in identifying basement vulnerabilities and addressing them to prevent future infestations.  

Choose Skedaddle for Wildlife Removal in Toronto

There’s no doubt that rats are clever, resourceful, and capable of exploiting weaknesses homeowners may not even know exist. From damaged foundations and utility line gaps to roof vulnerabilities and basement windows, their methods of entry are as varied as they are surprising.  

At Skedaddle, we understand the frustration and challenges that come with dealing with rat infestations. Our team is trained in humane and effective wildlife removal techniques tailored to Toronto homes. Whether you’re dealing with an existing infestation or taking preventive measures, we’re here to help.  

Don’t wait for rats to make themselves at home. Take action today by contacting Skedaddle. We’ll provide a thorough inspection, humane removal, and long-lasting solutions to keep your home safe and rat-free.