Kelowna was just named one of Canada's 'rattiest' cities

Kelowna has just been ranked the 4th 'rattiest' city in all of Canada!

This is according to a recent study by Orkin, the country's leading pest control company.

Half of the cities listed in the top 10 are right here in British Columbia. Kelowna was third in B.C. and No. 1 in the Interior.

You might be wondering - why?

Well, Orkin suggests that longer summers and an abundance of food have led to a surge in the rodent population.

So, what can we do about this?

Trim the Trees: Landscaping can be a big-rodent attractant. Keep shrubbery cut back at least one meter from the exterior walls of your home to eliminate any hiding spots for rodents and to avoid giving them a “jumping off” point.

Cut Off the Water: Eliminate any moisture sources, necessary for pests’ survival, such as clogged gutters or water gathering in trash or recycling bins.

Stay Vigilant: Inspect both inside and outside your property for rodent droppings, burrows and rub marks along baseboards and walls. The more quickly rodents are detected, the better.

Close the Gap: Look for possible entry points outside the home, seal all cracks larger than 1/4 of an inch and install weather strips at the bottom of exterior doors.

Cleanliness is key: Keep your property clean, inside and out. Clean up crumbs and spills as soon as they happen to avoid leaving food residue or sugary substances that can attract rodents. Store all food (including pet food) in tightly-sealed containers like plastic bins, and never leave food or dishes sitting out overnight.

And perhaps, just to be safe, keep that cheese hidden too!