Oshawa cracks top ten for ‘rattiest’ city in Ontario; three other Durham towns in top 25

Oshawa has cracked the top ten of a dubious list – pest control company Orkin’s annual 25 Rattiest Cities of Ontario report.

Oshawa squeaks in at #8, between Toronto suburbs North York (#7) and Etobicoke (#9), with Oakville coming in at #10.

The top six on the list, which are based solely on the number of rodent treatments the company performed from August 1, 2021 through July 31, 2022, are Toronto, Mississauga, Scarborough, Ottawa, Brampton and Sudbury.

Three other Durham Region communities also made the list, with Ajax at #18, Whitby at #21 and Pickering at #23.

The rankings includes both residential and commercial treatments.

Orkin recommends homeowners ‘rat-proof’ their properties the following ways:

• 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.