Rat Problem Rising in Vancouver

Complaints about rats in Vancouver streets and households have increased significantly this summer and could spike in the fall, pest controllers say.

Patrick McLoughlin, owner of Mantis Pest Control, said calls to his company about rats are up 50 per cent over previous years.

John Mitten, branch manager with Poulin's Pest Control, said rodent-related calls are up 27 percent, and he warns the number could spike as more rats seek shelter from the cold come September.

The three-month civic strike last summer is partly to blame for the increased rat population in the city, said McLoughlin, who has been dealing with rodents for more than 10 years. Garbage collection was halted during the strike, creating piles of trash on the streets.

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