Windsor is one of the 'rattiestĀ cities' in Ontario.
That's according to pest control company Orkin Canada, which has released its annual list of the rattiest cities in the province.
The rankings are based on the number of rodent treatments the company performed from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. The ranking includes both residential and commercial treatments.
Windsor is number 6 on the list.
Orkin Canada has released its ranking of the 25 rattiest cities in Ontario based on rodent treatments performed by the company in 2017. February 14, 2018 (Photo by CNW Group/Orkin Canada)
Toronto is the rattiest city in Ontario, followed by Ottawa, Mississauga, Scarborough and Hamilton.
Orkin is warning homeowners that rodents are very active at this time of year, as they seek food, water and shelter.
Windsor's Manager of Environmental Services Anne Marie Albidone is not surprised by the latest rankings.
Last year, Windsor was ranked seventh.
"Keep in mind that the report from Orkin is based on the properties that they have baited, it is based on their business," she says.
She says Windsor isn't unique in its struggles to combat this problem.
"We haven't really changed a whole lot--that is not surprising to me. We have talked many times about the rodent population and the increase has been seen across the province and the United States as well."
Last year, more than 1,300 properties were baited through the city's rodent control program.
Home owners are being urged to 'close, trim and cut' to prevent rats from getting into their homes:
Close the Gap: Seal any cracks or holes in the foundation with weather-resistant sealant. Install weather stripping around windows and doors, as well as door sweeps.
Trim the Trees: Keep shrubbery cut back at least one metre from the exterior walls of the home to eliminate any hiding spots for rodents.
Cut Off the Water: Eliminate any moisture sources - a necessity for pest survival - such as clogged gutters or water gathering in trash or recycling bins.