If ranking the number 1 city in the country for bed bugs wasn’t enough, Toronto has once again ranked number 1 as the rattiest city in Canada for the third year in a row, according to a recent survey.
The annual list conducted by pest control provider Orkin analyzed the number of rat and mouse services they performed across Canada between August 1, 2023 and July 31, 2024, in both residential and commercial properties.
While Vancouver followed Toronto in second place, the 6ix once again claimed the unfortunate title.
The top 25 cities in Canada with the most rats are as follows:
- Toronto, Ontario
- Vancouver, B.C.
- Kelowna, B.C.
- Burnaby, B.C.
- Victoria, B.C.
- Mississauga, Ontario
- Richmond, B.C.
- Surrey, B.C.
- Scarborough, Ontario
- St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Moncton, New Brunswick
- Ottawa, Ontario
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Vernon, B.C.
- Langley, B.C.
- Coquitlam, B.C.
- Sudbury, Ontario
- Abbotsford, B.C.
- Delta, B.C.
- Brampton, Ontario
- Hamilton, Ontario
- Port Coquitlam, B.C.
- Etobicoke, Ontario
- Montreal, Quebec
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
With Toronto being Canada’s capital city and the county’s biggest city, it’s no surprise that it was ranked number one for the amount of rat problems. However, British Columbia as a whole beats out Ontario with 12 cities on the list of top 25, versus Ontario’s eight.
If you’re dealing with a rodent issue, here are Orkin’s top suggestions of how to manage such infestations:
- 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.