Scores of Metro Vancouverites grapple with rodent issues, whether they rent or own businesses, but not all are created equal.
While many people may encounter a mouse or two in their home, others may face teeming infestations with dozens of animals living in their walls, attics, basements, or backyards.
Most renters and homeowners will get rid of a lone animal — meaning one mouse or rat. But what should they do if they encounter a sizable population residing in their home?
Can the city or health authority help me?
The City of Vancouver and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) are not responsible for issues about pests on private property.
The city told V.I.A. that property owners are responsible for pest control under the standards of maintenance bylaw. The bylaw stipulates that homeowners must maintain their buildings' health and safety requirements.
How should I protect my property from rodents?
Under section 8(3) of the bylaw, all openings of exterior walls, aside from doors and windows, must be "effectively protected to prevent the entry of rodents, insects or vermin."
Rat activity often increases and becomes more visible during the warmer months, but vermin may seek shelter indoors in the winter.
The city encourages the public to keep their properties clean and well-maintained to help prevent rat infestations.
"Wood piles, building materials, abandoned mattresses, and poorly maintained building exteriors can provide nesting opportunities for rats. Additionally, backyard gardens or composters that are not properly maintained, as well as open or overflowing garbage bins and litter around waste containers, can offer rats a source of food," the city said in a statement.
Residents are encouraged to visit the city's website for information on how to manage rat-related issues on their property and when to contact 311.
What are other indications of rats in my unit?
Indications — other than seeing rats — you might have a rodent problem, include the following:
- burrows
- nests
- droppings and urine stains
- runs and tracks
- rub marks and chew marks
- noises
If you have a rat problem, contact a professional. Trying to handle an issue may worsen the problem.
If you only have one or two rodents, the SPCA recommends using humane traps, including "one-way doors, cage traps or other live traps."
However, if the food or building issues that brought them indoors remain unaddressed, they will return.
What should I do if I spot a rodent in my rental unit?
If you're a renter, you should notify your landlord immediately.
The Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre advises tenants dealing with any pest issue, whether it's rodents, insects, or something else, to notify their landlord immediately and in writing. It may also be prudent to take photos, have a witness, and collect samples.
Trying to deal with a sprawling pest infestation on your own may worsen the situation. Also, if you don't notify a landlord immediately, you may be held liable for damages.
What should I do if I see rats have infested a nearby place?
Vancouver Coastal Health told V.I.A. that its health protection teams respond to "complaints and concerns about pest infestations in regulated facilities, such as food establishments."
If you spot rats in or near restaurants, grocery stores, or businesses that handle food, call VCH at 604-736-2033 or report it online.
The city told V.I.A. it monitors rodent-related calls and addresses them on a case-by-case basis. Several departments collaborate to share information and respond to concerns.
If you spot them on city property or in a park, report it online.
VCH also provides advice to people inquiring about pest issues online.
Mount Pleasant resident describes a 'plague-level infestation'
Mount Pleasant resident Karl Dreyer told V.I.A. he is dealing with an "overwhelming and dangerous rat infestation" in his backyard, drawing "widespread public concern online."
Since the city and the health authority don't handle personal property, they haven't addressed his situation.
"Our property backs directly onto a very popular restaurant and Robson Park, a heavily used public space frequented by families and children. Over the past several months, a massive rat colony has taken over the area. It’s no longer a few rodents — it’s a plague-level infestation affecting the safety, hygiene, and well-being of our neighbourhood," he writes.
Dreyer posted a video showing the infestation's reach, amassing nearly 500,000 views. A professional pest control company offered its services pro bono to fight the infestation, which he says is a testament to its severity.
"This is not just a nuisance — it’s a public health crisis unfolding in plain sight, in one of Vancouver’s most visible and active public areas," he said.
