As far back as human history can be traced, humans have always had to deal with problems caused by rats. Deadly disease transmission, unsanitary conditions and material damage have all contributed to making the rat the number one enemy of many populations.
Even today, despite the improvement in overall health conditions, rats are still a cause for concern in many large cities in Quebec, where the population of these harmful rodents appears to be increasing. This raises a question: does the state of sewer systems have an impact on the increase in the number of rats in large cities in Quebec?
Why are sewers a good place for rats to live?
In order to properly answer the initial question, it is worth starting by determining why sewers are a preferred habitat for rat populations. In fact, several factors cause rats to populate wastewater systems in large urban centres.
An abundant source of water and food
Like all animals, rats need water to survive. Of course, even if sewage water is not safe for human consumption, rodents can still drink it to meet their hydration needs.
Where the condition of the sewers can make a difference is in the food that rats can find there. Older pipes are sometimes made of brick or concrete, which are rougher materials than PVC and cast iron pipes, which are now the norm. The porosity of the pipes means that food residue can cling to the walls, providing a source of food for rats.
A comfortable predator-free habitat
Sewers also allow rats to enjoy a mild environment, where they don’t have to face extreme cold or scorching heat. In addition, apart from humans seeking to exterminate or hunt them, rats have no natural predators in the pipes. This is a factor that promotes rapid colonization of sewers when rats enter them.
Why do the risks of rat infestation increase when sewer systems are deteriorated?
Pipes that are in an advanced state of deterioration can be exploited in different ways by rats. First, when they find a crack in the pipe that may have been caused by structural movement or aging or corrosion, they will not hesitate to dig their way into it. In doing so, they can reach the foundations of buildings that they can infiltrate and then populate.
To prevent rat infestation, owners should therefore ensure that their foundations are watertight.
Rat infestations in large Quebec cities
Quebec is a territory with significant temperature differences. Freeze-thaw cycles can cause cracks in pipes. It is therefore not surprising that some cities like Montreal have a large rat population.
In conclusion, there is no doubt that the state of sewer systems in Quebec cities has an impact on the increase in rat populations, which in turn increases the risk of infestation.
If you ever notice one of these rodents on your property or inside your home, please do not hesitate to contact Elite Pest Control. Our pest control experts can offer you proven solutions and techniques to prevent the situation from escalating.
