Toronto has maintained its position as the "rattiest" city in Canada, according to Orkin Canada's annual rankings for 2025. The pest control company based its findings on the number of rodent treatments conducted in both residential and commercial properties from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. Toronto narrowly surpassed Victoria for the top spot, while Vancouver, Burnaby, and Richmond completed the top five on the list.
The National Top 10
- Toronto
- Victoria
- Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Richmond
- Mississauga
- Kelowna
- Ottawa
- Scarborough
- Moncton
This year's rankings highlighted a concerning trend, as both Ottawa and Moncton made a return to the top 10. This indicates that rodent populations are spreading into more regions across Canada. The growing presence of these pests underscores the need for enhanced pest management efforts in various areas.
Ontario's Rodent Ranking by City
Ontario cities have dominated the rankings, with Toronto leading as the most affected. Other cities from Ontario that made it into the national top 10 include Mississauga, Ottawa, and Scarborough. Orkin Canada's breakdown by province sheds light on the extensive nature of the rodent problem within Ontario.
Top 25 Rattiest Cities in Ontario (2025):
- Toronto
- Mississauga
- Ottawa
- Scarborough
- Sudbury
- Markham
- Etobicoke
- North York
- Brampton
- Oshawa
- Hamilton
- Richmond Hill
- Oakville
- Thornhill
- Burlington
- Barrie
- Windsor
- London
- Cambridge
- Whitby
- Pickering
- North Bay
- Cochrane
- Sarnia
- St. Catharines
Here’s How to Keep Rodents Away
In response to the rising rodent activity, Orkin Canada offers residents practical steps to prevent rats and mice from invading their homes. These preventive measures are crucial for maintaining a pest-free environment.
- Trim Trees and Shrubs: Ensure that vegetation is kept at least one meter from building exteriors to eliminate potential hiding spots for rodents.
- Eliminate Water Sources: Address issues like leaking gutters, clear standing water from bins, and resolve any moisture problems.
- Inspect for Signs: Regularly check for evidence of rodent activity such as droppings, burrows, gnaw marks, or rub marks along walls.
- Seal Entry Points: Close any cracks larger than 1/4 inch and install weather stripping on doors to prevent entry.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Store food in sealed containers, promptly clean up crumbs, and avoid leaving dishes out overnight.
For additional insights, residents can click here to view Orkin Canada's top 20 rattiest cities in British Columbia and here for Eastern Canada's top 15 rattiest cities.
