The City offers a rat control program to help deter pests in residential, single family areas to prevent public health concerns and protect local infrastructure with the potential to be damaged by rodent activity. The program is available for an initial service, and if the homeowner or renter has contributing factors on their property such as long grass or accessible compost, they will be required to fix that issue prior to receiving additional support. Note this program is only for single family/suite residences, not multi-family units, apartment complexes or commercial areas. The program is also for rats only and does not cover other pests such as mice or insects.
Rather than relying on this service, we always encourage the community to proactively manage the risk of rats, to prevent potential damage to infrastructure, but also to household items, insulation and exterior access to your home. Things you can do include:
- Manage attractants:
- Keep all garbage secured until the day of collection, feed pets indoors, clean up fallen fruit or vegetables from your garden, and use rodent and bear resistant compost systems outside. Compost can also be lined with wire mesh.
- Repair leaky plumbing or garden hoses
- Remove potential shelters
- Remove unnecessary wood piles, heavy brush, unused sheds or equipment.
- Store lumber and firewood on stands 30-45 cm off the ground
- Remove unnecessary wood piles, heavy brush, unused sheds or equipment.
- Do not store old cars or furniture outside
If you are looking to manage rat or pest problems yourself, poison bait should be avoided as poisoned rats may crawl away and die in inaccessible areas and leave unpleasant odours. They can also lead to illness or death of native species that prey on rats. Poisons can also accidentally harm pets, wildlife or even children.
More information on rat management is available through Wildsafe BC, here: Rats – WildSafeBC
To contact the City for support with a potential rat problem, reach out to customer.service@princerupert.ca or call (250) 627 0946.