Program that helps people get rid of rats extended for Mississauga, Brampton homeowners

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Published April 4, 2023 at 4:04 pm

A program that helps Mississauga and Brampton residents deal with rat problems outside their homes by reimbursing them for up to half the cost of getting rid of the pests has been extended until the end of the year.

The Region of Peel’s Residential Rat Control Subsidy Pilot Program, introduced in 2021, has been extended yet again, this time until Dec. 31, 2023.

Under the pilot, Mississauga and Brampton homeowners who hire or who have hired a Region of Peel-approved pest control vendor to do the job between March 22, 2021 and Dec. 31 of this year can apply for partial reimbursement.

The program is available only to help with rat issues “on the exterior of residential properties. Interior issues are not eligible for subsidy,” Region officials note, adding eligible residents will be reimbursed for 50 per cent of the cost of hiring a pest control service up to a maximum of $200 per calendar year.

The program is not available to businesses, institutions, apartments or apartment-style condominiums.

Peel officials say residents who are considering applying for the program/reimbursement should first, among other things, ensure that the exterior of their property is free from contributing issues such as junk piles, overgrown vegetation, pet waste, bird feeders and compost piles.

Also required is proof that you hired an approved pest control vendor for services provided between March 22, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2023.

For more information, call 905-791-7800.

The subsidy program may grab the interest of many Mississauga and Brampton residents, given the cities’ rankings last fall as the second- and fifth-rattiest cities in Ontario.

As far as rodent infestations go, Canada’s seventh-largest city, Mississauga, played second fiddle only to Toronto once again last year, according to Orkin Canada and its annual top 25 “Rattiest Cities in Ontario” list.  

It’s the fourth-straight year Mississauga has ranked second on the not-so-desirable list while Brampton moved up from eighth spot the previous year.

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