Victoria takes #2 spot on pest control company’s list of BC’s 20 “rattiest” cities

Do you have some unwelcome roommates?

According to Orkin Canada, a pest control company, Victorians are among the likeliest in Canada to have their homes invaded by rodents.

Orkin Canada recently released rankings of BC’s “rattiest” cities in an effort to remind home owners and business owners to take precautions to help keep rodents out.

Victoria took the infamous honour of second place in the rankings, behind only Vancouver.

But we aren’t the only Island city grappling with rat problems. In fact, six of the top 20 cities are on Vancouver Island, with Duncan and Nanaimo coming in at #9 and #10, respectively.

Cities are ranked by the number of rodent (rat & mice) treatments the company performed from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017.

This ranking includes both residential and commercial treatments.

Ranking Infographic:

Rankings:

20. Kamloops
19. North Saanich
18. Vernon
17. Port Alberni
16. Maple Ridge
15. Port Moody
14. Sidney
13. New Westminster
12. Delta
11. Abbotsford
10. Nanaimo
9. Duncan
8. Coquitlam
7. Langley
6. Kelowna
5. Surrey
4. Richmond
3. Burnaby
2. Victoria
1. Vancouver

Orkin’s Rodent Prevention Tips:

• Close the Gap: Seal any cracks or holes in your foundation with weather-resistant sealant. Install weather stripping around windows and doors, as well as door sweeps.
• Trim the Trees: Landscaping can be a big-rodent attractant. Keep shrubbery cut back at least one meter from the exterior walls of your home to eliminate any hiding spots for rodents.
• Cut Off the Water: Eliminate any moisture sources, necessary for pests’ survival, such as clogged gutters or water gathering in trash or recycling bins.