Orkin Canada has released its annual list of “rattiest” cities in Canada and for the second year in a row, Toronto claimed the top spot.
The list includes 25 cities across Canada ranked based on the number of commercial and residential rodent (rat and mice) treatments that Orkin Canada carried out from August 1, 2022 through July 31, 2023.
This year’s list saw Toronto and Vancouver compete for first place and welcomed Ottawa, Scarborough and Moncton back in the top ten.
“Rat and mice calls used to be expected primarily in the fall and winter as they escape the cold outdoors, but now they are becoming a year-round effort,” Orkin Canada Pest Specialist and Entomologist Dr. Alice Sinia said in a statement on Monday.
The top 10 rattiest cities in Canada in 2023 are:
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Kelowna
- Mississauga
- Richmond
- Victoria
- Ottawa
- Scarborough
- Moncton
In an effort to minimize the risk of a rodent problem within one’s home, Orkin Canada is reminding Canadians of tactics that can be used to prevent rodents from entering their properties.
- Seal cracks or holes in exterior walls, expansion joints and foundations, and install weather stripping around windows and doors.
- Install screens on utility openings and ducts.
- Reduce harbourage by trimming shrubs and grass, removing weeds and clearing unnecessary clutter from the yard and near the property.
- Get rid of moisture sources, such as clogged gutters.
- Store objects away from exterior walls and about 45 centimetres off the ground.
- Rodent proof sheds, which can be major breeding and harbourage spots for rodents in the winter.
- Garbage attracts rodents by providing them with food and water. Practice good waste disposal by keeping garbage and food waste away from your property. Use tight-fitting lid containers and be cautious about garbage overflow.
For a complete list of Canada’s rattiest cities, visit Orkin’s website here.
