Rats are among us.
According to Orkin Canada's 2018 report, Barrie ranks 15th of 25 Ontario cities with the most rats.
The problem appears to be getting worse, as Barrie didn't make the list at all in 2016, and in 2017 they sat in the 20th spot.
Since then, the city has moved up five spots.
Orkin ranks cities by the number of rodent (rat and mice) treatments the company performed from Jan. 1, 2018 through Dec. 31, 2018.
Toronto is the province's rattiest city.
Here are some rodent prevention tips from Orkin:
- Trim the Trees: Landscaping can be a big-rodent attractant. Keep shrubbery cut back at least one meter from the exterior walls of your home to eliminate any hiding spots for rodents and to avoid giving them a “jumping off” point
- Cut Off the Water: Eliminate any moisture sources, necessary for pests’ survival, such as clogged gutters or water gathering in trash or recycling bins. 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
- Close the Gap: Look for possible entry points outside the home, seal all cracks larger than 1/4 of an inch and install weather strips at the bottom of exterior doors. Keep your property clean, inside and out. Clean up crumbs and spills as soon as they happen to avoid leaving food residue or sugary substances that can attract rodents. Store all food (including pet food) in tightly-sealed containers like plastic bins, and never leave food or dishes sitting out overnight
Click here for the full list.
