Pest control company reveals 'rattiest' cities in Ontario
The biggest pest control company in the country has unveiled its list of “rattiest” cities in Ontario and the results may leave you feeling uneasy.
In a news release, Orkin Canada released its list of the top 25 cities that saw the most rodent treatments between August 1, 2020 and July 31, 2021.
Eight of the cities featured in the top 10 include those within the Greater Toronto Area, with Toronto taking the top spot for the second year in a row.
Mississauga crawled in second and Scarborough third, according to data released by Orkin on Monday.
Ottawa scurried to the number four spot-- up from twelfth position last year—and London placed ninth.
Orkin argues that some cities may be seeing more rodents than in years past due to lockdowns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and residents cooking and eating more at home as a result.
In fact, a study commissioned by the company found that Canadians produced 13.5 per cent more food waste during periods of lockdown versus non-lockdown times.
“Food abundance means potential increases in rodent populations, which is why people may be seeing more rats and mice in residential neighbourhoods,” Orkin said.
To make matters worse, Orkin said that their experts have also observed “bolder behavior” among rodents, including increased sightings of nocturnal rats and mice during the day.
Moreover, the company claims that migrations from resource-depleted urban centres to food-rich suburban areas have resulted in population growth among the pesky pests.
However, there is hope for residents of cities at the top of the list:
- Orkin suggests sealing cracks or holes in the foundation of your home and installing weather stripping around windows and doors as the cooler weather approaches.
- Keep shrubbery at least a metre away from the walls of your house
- Clean clogged gutters and other sources of moisture
- Keep garbage and old food away from your house
For the full list of Ontario’s rattiest cities, click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Locks of Beethoven's hair may reveal what caused his deafness, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.