Toronto has once again scurried to the top of Orkin Canada’s annual list of the country’s “rattiest” cities, cementing its reputation as the nation’s rodent capital.
The pest control company released its 2025 rankings this week, based on the number of commercial and residential rodent treatments carried out between Aug. 1, 2024 and July 31, 2025.
The Ontario city edged out Victoria for the top spot, while Vancouver, Burnaby, and Richmond rounded out the top five.
The national top 10
Toronto
Victoria
Vancouver
Burnaby
Richmond
Mississauga
Kelowna
Ottawa
Scarborough
Moncton
This year’s list saw Ottawa and Moncton return to the top 10, highlighting how rodent populations are spreading across more regions in Canada.
B.C.’s rodent ranking by city
B.C. cities dominated the rankings, holding four to the top five on the list. Orkin Canada’s provincial breakdown shows just how widespread the issue has become.
Top 20 rattiest cities in B.C. (2025):
Victoria
Vancouver
Burnaby
Richmond
Kelowna
Surrey
Vernon
Abbotsford
Langley
Delta
Terrace
Prince George
Nanaimo
Coquitlam
New Westminster
Saanichton
Port Coquitlam
Sidney
Chilliwack
Kamloops
(Courtesy Orkin Canada)
How to keep rodents away
With rodent activity on the rise, Orkin Canada is reminding residents of simple steps to keep rats and mice from turning homes into their playgrounds.
Trim trees and shrubs: Keep vegetation at least one metre from building exteriors to remove hiding spots.
Eliminate water sources: Fix leaking gutters, clear standing water from bins, and address moisture issues.
Inspect for signs: Watch for droppings, burrows, gnaw marks, or rub marks along walls.
Seal entry points: Close cracks larger than 1/4 inch and install weather stripping on doors.
Maintain cleanliness: Store food in sealed containers, clean up crumbs immediately, and avoid leaving dishes out overnight.
