Parc‑Extension Resident Sees Rats Daily, City Reports Rise

A Parc‑Extension resident reports daily rat sightings on his way to daycare, while an exterminator notes that citywide rodent complaints have risen since the COVID‑19 pandemic, reflecting a broader increase in pest activity across Montreal.

A resident of Montreal’s Parc‑Extension neighbourhood reported seeing rats every day on his route to a local daycare on Saturday morning, August 29, 2026. The daily sightings prompted the resident to keep a count, highlighting a personal experience that mirrors a broader trend across the city.

An exterminator familiar with the area confirmed that complaints about rodent activity have increased throughout Montreal since the COVID‑19 pandemic began. The professional noted that the surge is not limited to Parc‑Extension but reflects a citywide pattern of more frequent rodent encounters and service calls.

The resident’s routine walk to daycare, a regular part of his day, has become a point of concern as he encounters the animals on a consistent basis. While no specific numbers were provided, the frequency of the observations was enough to prompt him to track each encounter.

According to the exterminator, the rise in rodent complaints follows a noticeable uptick in service requests for pest control that has been recorded since the pandemic’s onset. The professional attributed this increase to changes in urban living conditions and waste management practices that have created a more favorable environment for rodents.

City officials have been monitoring the trend, acknowledging that the pandemic altered patterns of human activity, waste generation, and building occupancy, all of which can influence pest populations. The exterminator emphasized that the current situation is part of a larger shift rather than an isolated incident in Parc‑Extension.

Residents in other neighborhoods have also reported more frequent sightings, suggesting that the issue may be widespread. The exterminator’s assessment points to a need for continued vigilance and possibly enhanced municipal measures to address the growing rodent presence throughout Montreal.

The resident’s daily counts serve as a personal illustration of a citywide challenge that began to surface in the aftermath of the pandemic and continues to affect everyday life in Montreal’s diverse communities.