A resident of Montreal’s Parc‑Extension neighbourhood says rats appear on the streets every day, a problem he now tracks with his daughter. The sightings have been ongoing since 2020, prompting the family to keep a count as part of their routine.
The resident described the rodents as a constant presence, noting that they can be seen moving along sidewalks and near local businesses. He and his daughter have turned the observations into a daily tally, hoping to document the frequency of the encounters. While no specific numbers were provided, the habit underscores the regularity of the issue in their immediate area.
An exterminator familiar with the situation explained that the surge in rat activity in Parc‑Extension mirrors a broader pattern across Montreal. According to the professional, complaints about rodents have risen citywide since the COVID‑19 pandemic began, and the current situation reflects that overall increase. The exterminator did not attribute the rise to a single cause but highlighted the post‑pandemic trend in pest‑control requests.
Since the pandemic, Montreal has seen a noticeable uptick in calls for rodent control, with pest‑management services reporting higher demand. The city’s health authorities have observed more reports of rat sightings in various neighborhoods, suggesting that the problem is not confined to a single district. The resident’s experience in Parc‑Extension adds a personal dimension to the statistical rise noted by professionals.
City officials have acknowledged the growing concern but have not released detailed figures. The resident continues to monitor the situation with his daughter, hoping that increased awareness may lead to more effective measures against the persistent rodent presence.
The ongoing daily counts serve as a reminder of the everyday impact of the citywide increase in rodent activity, a trend that began in the early years of the pandemic and persists in Montreal’s neighborhoods.