Councillors Seek Better Solutions for London’s Rat Issue

London city councillors are urging staff to take a harder look at ways to tackle the city’s rat situation, as several city hall representatives report receiving more complaints about rodents from residents.

Councillors approved a motion from Coun. Hadleigh Mc Alister on Monday, asking staff to explore methods for better enforcement of current bylaws dealing with rodent issues.

Before councillors shared their own rat encounters, East London resident Robert Shields spoke up about a serious problem in his area.

“The rats are about the size of squirrels, they’re eating everything we own,” he told council. “Nobody is doing nothing about it. It’s not just a couple of houses; it’s a big area. We’re talking holes through our walls.

Shields mentioned that the issue has grown too large for him to handle alone.

“I thought I had a mice problem; my dog brought me a rat in his mouth from my basement,” he said. “It’s beyond embarrassing. It’s not just my problem; it’s everybody’s problem. What can the city do to help us?”

Coun. Hadleigh Mc Allister stated he wants staff to present better strategies to fight what he describes as an increasing rat issue. (Andrew Lupton/)

Coun. Hadleigh Mc Alister introduced a motion during yesterday’s meeting of the council’s Community and Protective Services Committee, urging staff to develop more effective approaches against what he claims is an escalating rat dilemma.

Mc Alister seeks an urgent report focused on solutions for rats instead of waiting for one included in an ongoing review of property standards bylaws.

Rats ‘running across their face’

Some councillors referenced Toronto’s rat plan launched last year, which features a dedicated team addressing ongoing rodent concerns.

Coun. Susan Stevenson told the committee she often receives complaints from residents regarding rats.

“I’ve got people saying they woke up with a rat running across their face, nibbling the bananas on their dining room table,” said Stevenson. “They’re chewing through water lines and wiring and chewing through almost anything to get into the homes.”

Stevenson added that some older homes in her ward have basements with dirt floors.

“They’re finding it almost impossible to keep the rats out,” she said.

In response to questions from councillors, city staff noted there is already language in bylaws addressing rodent infestations but mentioned it might take up to three days before responding to specific complaints regarding rats at properties.

Coun. David Ferreira emphasized that it’s clear the city’s current strategy isn’t sufficient and that new methods need exploring against what he sees as an evidently growing challenge.

“I really want to see why these infestations are happening,” he said. “Hopefully, we can get some good ideas about what opportunities there are to mitigate this.”

Mc Alister remarked that complaints tend to rise during summer months; that’s why he’s pushing for suggested solutions before things worsen further.

The motion will next be presented for discussion at the full council meeting.

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