Oh, rats! Oakville named one Ontario's rattiest cities...again

Oakville has gained a surprising title this year, securing the 13th spot on a prominent list of Ontario’s rattiest cities.

The report comes from Orkin Canada, a pest and wildlife control company. This 2024 marks a slight drop from Oakville’s 12th-place ranking on last year’s report, with the city now sandwiched between Oshawa (12th) and Cambridge (14th) in the lower half of the 25 cities listed.

Read more here: Orkin names Oakville among rattiest cities

Currently, Oakville is the ninth most populated city in Ontario, with nearly 240,000 people.

The top 'rattiest' cities in Ontario this year, according to Orkin, are Toronto, Mississauga, and Scarborough—all part of the Greater Toronto Area, with populations over 500,000 and are some of the most populated cities in Ontario. (Toronto, the most populated city in Canada, leads with over 3 million residents.)

Orkin ranks Ontario cities based on the number of rodent treatments conducted between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024, covering both residential and commercial properties.

As winter approaches, and the weather gets cooler, rodents, like rats and mice, try to find warmer places to take shelter. Here are a few tips to prevent a rodent entry or reduce rodent infestation:

1. Trim your plants: Landscaping, like shrubbery and trees can attract rodents. Trimming them regularly can eliminate hiding spots for rodents.
2. Cut off water: Avoid having moist spots nearby, like clogged gutters and water in your garbage or recycling bins.
3. Check your indoor and outdoor area thoroughly: Do this to see if there are droppings, holes or rub marks on the walls, baseboards and floors of your property. 
4. Seal entry points: It's important to seal any cracks that are larger than 1/4 of an inch. Be sure to check for any entry points and gaps that rodents can use. 
5. Keep your surroundings clean, inside and out: Promptly clean up crumbs and spills to avoid attracting rodents with food residues. Store food—including pet food—in tightly sealed containers, and avoid leaving dishes or food out overnight.

While Oakville may not hold the top spot, the city’s appearance on the list serves as a reminder for residents to stay proactive in keeping their homes and neighbourhoods rodent-free, especially with the cold weather approaching.

Following simple preventative steps can help Oakville—and other Ontario cities—move down the ranks next year.