While rats are found in most Canadian provinces and territories, Alberta stands out as a notable exception. This western province has maintained a largely rat-free status for decades, a testament to a long-standing and dedicated control program.
Rats Across Canada
Across much of Canada, two primary rat species are commonly encountered: the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the Roof rat (Rattus rattus). The Norway rat, also known as the brown rat, is particularly widespread, introduced to North America around 1775. These adaptable rodents thrive in both urban and rural environments, often found burrowing at ground level, in basements, or within crawl spaces. They are omnivorous and can consume nearly any available food source.
In contrast, Roof rats, also referred to as black rats, are more prevalent in coastal regions, particularly along British Columbia’s western shores. Unlike Norway rats, they are skilled climbers and prefer to inhabit elevated areas such as attics, trees, and the upper parts of structures. Both species cause significant property damage through gnawing and can transmit various diseases, posing risks to public health and agricultural interests. Their rapid reproductive rates mean infestations can quickly escalate.
Alberta’s Unique Rat-Free Status
Alberta’s rat-free status began in 1950 when Norway rats were first reported along its eastern border with Saskatchewan. Provincial authorities, concerned about potential disease transmission and agricultural damage, quickly established a proactive control program. The term “rat-free” in Alberta signifies the absence of established, breeding rat populations. Individual “hitchhiker” rats occasionally enter the province, often via transport, but are typically isolated and eradicated swiftly.
The province’s strategy centers on a 600-kilometer Rat Control Zone (RCZ) along its eastern boundary, stretching 29 kilometers wide from Cold Lake to the Montana border. Within this zone, municipal pest control inspectors conduct annual inspections of thousands of premises. Public participation is important, with citizens encouraged to report any suspected rat sightings via a dedicated hotline or email. Alberta’s Agricultural Pests Act designates rats as a pest, making it illegal for most citizens to own pet rats and imposing fines for violations. Natural geographical barriers like the Rocky Mountains to the west, the boreal forest to the north, and sparsely populated southern prairies also help deter rat migration.
Managing Rat Populations
For areas where rats are present, effective management relies on an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. This comprehensive strategy combines various methods to prevent and control rat populations. Sanitation is a primary defense, involving the removal of food sources such as exposed garbage, spilled grains, or pet food, and maintaining property cleanliness. Cleaning up clutter and managing composters also helps eliminate potential nesting sites and food access points.
Exclusion, or rat-proofing, involves sealing entry points into buildings. Rats can squeeze through small openings; Norway rats can enter through holes as small as a half-inch. Sealing cracks in foundations, installing metal mesh over vents, and ensuring tight-fitting door sweeps can effectively block access. Trapping methods, including snap traps, electronic traps, and live traps, can be used to remove existing rodents, with proper placement along walls or in active pathways for effectiveness. When chemical controls like rodenticides are used, they should be placed in secured, tamper-resistant bait stations to protect non-target animals and children. Community involvement, such as working with neighbors to address shared concerns and promptly reporting sightings, contributes to broader population management efforts.