Rat and mice problems increasing in Vernon. (Stock photo ID 8310334 © Firelia | Dreamstime.com)

By Liam Verster

Roof Rats

Rodent problems increasing in Vernon, Okanagan

Oct 25, 2023 | 12:00 PM

Rats and mice have been causing more and more issues in Vernon and throughout the Okanagan Valley.

Matthew Wright, Manager of Orkin Canada’s Interior South branch, told Vernon Matters there have been increased numbers of rodent issues over the past few years.

He attributed the rising rat cases mostly to changes in what sort of rodenticide, or rat poisons, are permitted.

“The B.C. government is not allowing us to use the stronger rodenticide that we used to use, so we’re having to use less effective rodenticide now,” Wright explained, noting the intention of the regulations was to stop with the poison making its way up the food chain and resulting in secondary poisonings.

“So we’ve noticed that the populations are starting to increase. It could be a natural thing but having less adequate bait is probably a part of it too. But also having all the food on the ground with orchards and gardens is also going to create more rodents because there’s more food sources.”

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Residents tell Vernon Matters roof rats have become a major issue in the last two years in Vernon, specifically in the East Hill area.

To stop rodents from taking over a property, the pest control professional recommended people “rodent proof” their homes and other structures.

“Cut back the trees off the house and remove clutter and bushes and stuff that are tight up against the houses to remove the hard bridge areas that the rats and mice are finding,” Wright told Vernon Matters.

“Back in the day when we just had mice here, trees touching the building were not that big of an issue unless you had squirrels, but now that we have roof rats, they love to climb. With trees that are touching and creating access points to the roof, they can get into the attic and can cause some damage there. So we just need to change how we’re proofing our houses, and looking up high is definitely a spot where we never had to focus before.”

Wright also advised people to check their soffits for any access points, and to make sure doors, particularly overheard doors, fit properly so the rodents don’t have a way in.

He also recommended people keep their yards and gardens clean, pick any fruit, vegetables or other potential food sources right away, and turn over their compost frequently to bury the fresher materials.