On Monday morning, Orkin Canada, a national leader in pest control, released its annual ranking of the 25 most “rattiest” cities in Canada. Unfortunately for Toronto, we once again secured the top position for the fourth consecutive year.
The rankings were determined by the total number of rat and mouse treatments carried out by the company in both residential and commercial properties between August 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025.
The 2025 analysis reveals a strong presence from both Ontario and British Columbia, with each province accounting for ten cities in the top 25 list. Nationally, Toronto and Victoria (which ranked second) were noted as being particularly competitive in the national comparison.
Toronto’s rodent population growth has been a notable trend in recent years. This has been attributed to mild weather, construction, and waste management issues. The issue has gotten so bad that the city is developing a new “Rat Response Plan” focused on a coordinated, integrated pest management approach that aims to remove food, water, and shelter from rats’ access, rather than just focusing on extermination. This plan is intended to be implemented in 2026.
According to Orkin, here are the top 10 rattiest cities in Canada for 2025:
- Toronto, ON
- Victoria, B.C.
- Vancouver, B.C.
- Burnaby, B.C.
- Richmond, B.C.
- Mississauga, ON
- Kelowna, B.C.
- Ottawa, ON
- Scarborough, ON
- Moncton, N.B.
To mitigate the risk of rodent infestation, Orkin Canada advises property owners to implement several preventative measures:
- Trim the Trees: Trim all shrubbery and landscaping back at least one meter (three feet) from your home’s exterior walls. This eliminates potential hiding spots for rodents and removes access points that allow them to jump onto the structure.
- Cut Off the Water: Proactively remove sources of moisture critical for pest survival. Regularly clear clogged gutters and ensure that no water is accumulating in outdoor containers, such as recycling or garbage bins.
- Inspect both inside and outside: Systematically inspect both the interior and exterior of your property for evidence of rodent activity, specifically looking for droppings, burrow entrances, and greasy rub marks along walls and baseboards. Early detection is crucial for successful and timely removal.
- Close the Gap: Thoroughly survey the building exterior for potential access gaps. Seal all cracks and openings greater than 1/4 inch and install weather stripping or sweeps on the bottom of all exterior doors to prevent ingress.
- Keep your property clean, inside and out: Maintain rigorous cleanliness both indoors and out. Promptly clean up all spills and crumbs to avoid leaving attractive food residues. All food items, including pet food, must be stored in durable, tightly-sealed containers (e.g., plastic bins). Never leave uncovered food or unwashed dishes out overnight.
You can visit the pest control company’s blog here for more information on the full study!