'The rat population is increasing': Rodents a growing problem on southern Vancouver Island, says pest control expert
CTV
Rats are a growing concern on southern Vancouver Island, where their numbers are increasing and residents are reporting damage to their homes and vehicles. With inflation driving up the cost of food, a lot of people are planting gardens and that is a veggie buffet for rats, according to one pest control expert.
"The rat population is increasing," said Christopher Day, the Vancouver Island branch manager for pest control company Orkin Canada.
When people were working from home during the pandemic, the majority of calls for service were for residential properties. "Now that people are going back to offices, we’re starting to get more commercial [calls]," said Day.
Rats have two main drives – food and shelter. With inflation driving up the cost of food, a lot of people are planting gardens and that is a veggie buffet for rats.
"A lot of people are getting into gardening," said Shawn Jackson, department head at the Wildwood Outdoor Living Centre. "[Rats] will go and pilfer tomatoes and the odd bit of fruit but what they really want in the backyard gardens is the compost."
As compost breaks down, it heats up. That is not only a food source but a nice place for rats to call home and reproduce.
"We always encourage people to do compost but it is an intensive system that has to be maintained," said the department head.
Jackson recommends consistently turning over your compost or purchasing an enclosed system.
