Ottawa, once again, top five in an unflattering rat race
Posted Dec 9, 2025 11:34:30 AM.
Last Updated Dec 9, 2025 01:18:19 PM.
Ottawa has once again scurried one of the top spots of Orkin Canada’s annual list of the country’s “rattiest” cities.
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 nation’s capital placed third compared to municipalities in Ontario, and eighth across the country. Ottawa is only beat by Toronto and Mississauga as Ontario’s rattiest cities in the province.
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
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.
Here’s 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.
