Sudbury fifth rattiest city in Ontario, pest control company says

Greater Sudbury ranks fifth in Ontario when it comes to rats, Orkin Canada says in its annual report. Sudbury was beaten for the dubious distinction by first-place Toronto, followed by Mississauga, Scarborough and Ottawa. (Orkin Canada graphic)

Greater Sudbury ranks fifth in Ontario when it comes to rats, Orkin Canada says in its annual report.

Sudbury was beaten for the dubious distinction by first-place Toronto, followed by Mississauga, Scarborough and Ottawa.

"Cities are ranked by the number of rodent (rat & mice) treatments the company performed from Aug. 1, 2023, through July 31, 2024," Orkin said in a news release.

"This ranking includes both residential and commercial treatments."

Ajax, St. Catharines and Whitby were ranked at the bottom of the 25-city list. Sudbury was the only northern Ontario community that made the list.

The company offered a number of tips to keep rodents at bay, including trimming trees near homes to eliminate hiding spots and avoid giving rodents a pathway into your home.

"Eliminate any moisture sources, necessary for pests’ survival, such as clogged gutters or water gathering in trash or recycling bins," Orkin said.

"Inspect both inside and outside your property for rodent droppings, burrows and rub marks along baseboards and walls. The more quickly rodents are detected, the better."

Closing off entry points into your home is also important, and keeping floors clear of crumbs and food waste is also important.

"Store all food (including pet food) in tightly sealed containers like plastic bins and never leave food or dishes sitting out overnight," Orkin said.