Depending on how you look at it, Victoria is moving up a rather dubious list.
Orkin Canada has released its list of the ‘rattiest cities’ in the country and the province, and once again, Victoria has made it to both lists.
Victoria has moved to number four in BC and to number seven in the country.
According to Orkin Canada pest control, COVID-19 lockdowns and the temporary closures of non-essential businesses resulted in rodent “hotspots” popping up across the province.
When restaurants and other commercial structures were shut down due to the pandemic, it was more difficult for rats to find food in their usual spots.
As pandemic fears wane, and Canadian cities return to business, food sources are abundantly available in urban and commercial areas again for rats and mice.
“With food more abundantly available in commercial areas, some of the aggressive behaviours among rats and mice that were noted during the lockdowns, such as cannibalism, “street fights” and territorialism, will likely lessen,” said Orkin Canada.
Toronto is the rattiest city in Canada, followed by Vancouver.
However, with population growth, there will also be increased rodent activity and sightings.
Cities are ranked based on the number of rodent treatments Orkin performed between August 1st, 2021, through July 31st, 2022.
Our very own Victoria ranked number three on the list, behind Burnaby in second place and Vancouver topping the list in first.
The top 10 rattiest cities in Canada in 2022 are:
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Kelowna
Mississauga - Calgary (mice only)
- Victoria
- Richmond
- Edmonton (mice only)
- St. John’s
As Winter approaches, Orkin Canada reminds residents to take precautions to help keep rodents out of their homes and businesses.
When there is an increase in rats, there is also an increase in rodent fleas, mites and ticks that are found on rodents. These have the potential to infest areas and buildings and can migrate to other areas as rodent populations spread.
Orkin provided the following tips on how to deal with and prevent recurring rodent run-ins:
- 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.
- Inspect the interior and exterior of your home: Keep an eye out for rodent droppings, burrows, and rub marks along baseboards and walls — the faster that rodents are detected, the better.
