Kitchener and Cambridge among Ontario’s ‘rattiest’ cities

Not a list cities you want to be on, but Kitchener and Cambridge both made this year's list of the “rattiest” cities in Ontario.

The list is put out annually by Orkin Canada.

The rankings are based on the number of commercial and residential rodent (rats and mice) treatments that the company did from August 1, 2020, through July 31, 2021. 

Cambridge came in at 20 and Kitchener, which did not make the list in 2020, was ranked last at 25th.

Toronto was ranked as the “rattiest” city, followed by Mississauga and Scarborough.

Orkin mentioned a recent survey, found Canadians produced almost 14 per cent more food waste during the lockdown than non-lockdown times. The company points out food abundance means potential increases in rodent populations, which could be why people are seeing more rats and mice in residential neighbourhoods. 

Here are some rodent prevention tips from Orkin Canada:

• Seal cracks or holes in your foundation and install weather stripping around windows and doors
• Keep shrubbery at least a metre away from exterior walls of your home
• Get rid of moisture sources, such as clogged gutters
• Be diligent in keeping garbage and old food away from your house