Toronto has retained its title as the “Rattiest City” in Canada, according to Orkin Canada’s latest rankings, which highlights the country’s top 25 cities with the highest rodent treatment numbers.
According to Orkin Canada, the annual list, based on data from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024, reflects treatments performed in both residential and commercial properties.
Toronto leads the list, followed closely by Vancouver, indicating a tight competition at the top. Other cities in the top ten include Kelowna, Burnaby, Victoria, Mississauga, Richmond, Surrey, Scarborough, and St. John’s.
This year, Montreal and Halifax also made their first appearances on the list, signalling a growing rodent problem in these areas as well.
Orkin Canada’s top 25 rattiest cities of 2024. (CNW Group/Orkin Canada)
The top 25 rattiest cities in Canada in 2024 are:
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Kelowna
- Burnaby
- Victoria
- Mississauga
- Richmond
- Surrey
- Scarborough
- St. John’s
- Moncton
- Ottawa
- Winnipeg
- Vernon
- Langley
- Coquitlam
- Sudbury
- Abbotsford
- Delta
- Brampton
- Hamilton
- Port Coquitlam
- Etobicoke
- Montreal
- Halifax
As rodent populations increase across various regions, Orkin Canada advises homeowners on effective preventative measures to deter these pests.
How to prevent rodents from getting inside the house:
Recommendations include removing clutter and trimming vegetation to eliminate potential rodent hiding spots, fixing leaky pipes and ensuring gutters are unclogged to cut off water sources, and securing food sources by using rodent-proof bins and cleaning up any fallen fruits or vegetables. Additionally, sealing entry points larger than a quarter-inch and maintaining clean indoor environments can significantly help in preventing rodent infestations.
Property inspections for signs of rodents, such as droppings, burrows, and rub marks, are also crucial in early detection and management of these pests. By implementing these strategies, homeowners can mitigate the risk of rodent infestations and maintain a cleaner, safer living environment.