Langley Ranked 9th Rattiest City in B.C. – Urgent Rodent Alert!

UPDATE: Langley Township and City have once again made headlines by being named the 9th rattiest city in British Columbia according to the latest report from pest control giant Orkin. This urgent news comes as rodent sightings surge, raising concerns for residents and local businesses alike.

The rankings, released earlier today, reveal that neighbouring Abbotsford sits at 8th, with Surrey coming in at 6th and Victoria clinching the top spot as the rattiest city in the province. On a national level, Langley ranks 18th, an improvement from its previous standing of 15th in Canada last year.

Orkin compiled this list based on the number of residential and commercial rodent treatments performed from August 1, 2024, through July 31, 2025. Alarmingly, the latest figures from the Fraser Health Authority (FHA) indicate there were 85 rodent-related complaints reported in Langley, Fort Langley, and Aldergrove over a two-year period from January 2023 to December 2024. This marks a staggering increase compared to just 22 complaints recorded in 2021 and 2022, highlighting a growing public health concern.

Officials attribute this surge to two primary factors: new restrictions on certain rodent poisons and the lingering after-effects of the pandemic, which have diminished staffing levels in local restaurants and affected general upkeep. Recently, the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) was banned for public use in British Columbia to mitigate risks of wildlife poisoning. This restriction limits usage to licensed essential services only, making it imperative for residents to adopt preventive measures.

“Rodents are highly adaptable animals,” warns Orkin. “They can squeeze through small cracks and can cause major structural damage to homes and businesses.” Residents are urged to take immediate action to safeguard their properties. Preventative tips include:

– Maintaining shrubbery at least one meter from exterior walls
– Eliminating moisture sources, such as clogged gutters
– Regularly inspecting for droppings, burrows, and rub marks
– Sealing any cracks larger than 1/4 inch
– Cleaning up crumbs and spills promptly
– Storing food, including pet food, in tightly-sealed containers

The rising rat population not only threatens property but poses significant health risks. As Langley residents navigate this troubling reality, local officials stress the importance of vigilance and community cooperation.

What happens next? Residents are encouraged to report sightings and complaints to local health authorities immediately. As the situation develops, it is crucial to stay informed and proactive in the fight against rodent infestations.

With the weather warming up, the urgency to tackle this issue only grows. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor this developing story. Share this information widely to keep your community aware and prepared.