Residents of Montreal’s Parc‑Extension neighbourhood say they are encountering rats on the streets each day, turning the presence of the rodents into a routine sight. An exterminator who works in the area confirmed that the frequency of rodent complaints citywide has climbed since the COVID‑19 pandemic, a trend that is now evident in Parc‑Extension.
The daily sightings have prompted local residents to voice concerns about hygiene and safety in their community. While they have not provided exact numbers, the consistency of the reports underscores a shift in the neighbourhood’s pest situation. The exterminator, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that the rise in calls for pest‑control services is not limited to Parc‑Extension but reflects a broader pattern across Montreal.
City officials have observed an uptick in pest‑control requests since the pandemic began, prompting discussions about the factors that may be contributing to the increase. Experts suggest that changes in waste management, reduced street cleaning, and altered human activity patterns during and after the pandemic could be influencing rodent populations.
The situation in Parc‑Extension mirrors the citywide concern, as more residents report encountering rats in public spaces. The exterminator emphasized that the surge in complaints signals a need for heightened attention to urban rodent control, though specific strategies have not been detailed. Community members continue to monitor the situation, hoping for coordinated efforts to address the growing presence of rats on their streets.
The ongoing presence of rats in Parc‑Extension highlights a challenge that many Montreal neighbourhoods are now facing, as the city grapples with a post‑pandemic increase in pest‑related issues.