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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.