Orkin Canada has unveiled its rankings of the most rat-infested cities in Canada for 2023, with Toronto securing the notorious first position for the second consecutive year.
This year's data revealed Toronto and Vancouver continue to battle it out for first place in the rat race, while Ottawa, Scarborough, and Moncton returned back to the top 10 list.The findings are based on Orkin Canada's extensive data collection of rodent treatments conducted from August 1, 2022, through July 31, 2023.
"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," said Dr. Alice Sinia, pest specialist and entomologist with Orkin Canada, in a statement.
"Longer summer seasons coupled with abundant food sources provide ideal conditions for exponential growth in rodent populations, which is why it is more important than ever to use integrated pest management techniques to tackle all of the conditions that allow mice and rats to proliferate."
According to the findings, Toronto (1st), Mississauga (5th), Ottawa (8th), and Scarborough (9th) accounted for the Ontario cities that ranked in the top ten.
The top 10 rattiest cities in Canada in 2023 are:
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Kelowna
- Mississauga
- Richmond
- Victoria
- Ottawa
- Scarborough
- Moncton
As Canadians navigate through the seasons, it becomes increasingly crucial to remain vigilant and proactive in pest control measures. These findings remind us that cities across the nation, regardless of size or stature, must remain committed to the rat race, albeit on a different playing field—one where humans aim to maintain control over their living spaces, keeping these pesky intruders at bay.
Rodent Prevention Tips
- 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 and to avoid giving them a “jumping off” point.
- 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 both inside and outside your property for rodent droppings, burrows and rub marks along baseboards and walls. The more quickly rodents are detected, the better.
- Close the Gap: Look for possible entry points outside the home, seal all cracks larger than 1/4 of an inch and install weather strips at the bottom of exterior doors.
- Keep your property clean, inside and out. Clean up crumbs and spills as soon as they happen to avoid leaving food residue or sugary substances that can attract rodents. Store all food (including pet food) in tightly-sealed containers like plastic bins, and never leave food or dishes sitting out overnight.
