Vernon, Kelowna among Canada’s ‘rattiest’ cities
Vernon and Kelowna are among the top 10 “rattiest” cities in B.C., and in the top 15 for all of Canada.
That’s according to Orkin Canada‘s 2023 list of cities with the worst rat problems.
The pest control company’s rankings are based on the number of rat and mice treatments that Orkin carried out from August 1, 2022 through July 31, 2023.
For Canada, Toronto was on top (?) followed by Vancouver, Burnaby, Kelowna and Mississauga, with Vernon in 12th.
In B.C., Vancouver was number one, with Burnaby, Kelowna, Victoria and Richmond rounding out the top five, and Vernon in 7th.
B.C.’s rattiest cities list by Orkin Canada (submitted image: Orkin)The top 10 rattiest cities in Canada in 2023 are:
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Kelowna
- Mississauga
- Richmond
- Victoria
- Ottawa
- Scarborough
- Moncton
For a complete list of Canada’s rattiest cities, click here.
Orkin said rodenticide bans in more areas of Canada are one reason for a growing rodent population.
The company says the following tactics can be used to prevent rodents from entering homes and other buildings:
- Seal cracks or holes in exterior walls, expansion joints and foundations, and install weather stripping around windows and doors.
- Install screens on utility openings and ducts.
- Reduce harbourage by trimming shrubs and grass, removing weeds and clearing unnecessary clutter from the yard and near the property.
- Get rid of moisture sources, such as clogged gutters.
- Store objects away from exterior walls and about 45 centimetres off the ground.
- Rodent proof sheds, which can be major breeding and harbourage spots for rodents in the winter.
- Garbage attracts rodents by providing them with food and water. Practice good waste disposal by keeping garbage and food waste away from your property. Use tight-fitting lid containers and be cautious about garbage overflow.
Related story: Rodent problems increasing in Vernon, Okanagan