Kelowna's rat boom sparks concerns

The rapidly growing rat population in Kelowna, B.C., has the city asking residents to do their part to stop the problem from multiplying.

Blair Stewart, urban forestry manager with the Ciy ofKelowna says rat-related calls have increased in the last two or three years, and that once "the rat is out of the bag" an infestation is hard to manage.

"Obviously the population has increased enough to start being noticed by more areas in the city ofKelowna, " he said.

"The best control is for people to keep their garbage and yards clean, and ensure that compost is out of the reach of rats, or consider burying it."

Stewart adds property owners should also look atabandoned buildings because rats will move in and reproduce quickly, especially if there's nothing to stop them.A pair of rats can produce up to50 offspring ina year.

People are advised to used snap traps instead of poison because there's no way to control other animals from eating the poison. Some Kelowna hardware stores have reported selling out of snap traps.

• West Kelowna kitten recued after getting stuck in rat trap

Matthew Wright ofOrkinpest control inKelownasays he gets about 15 calls a week on rats

"There's alot of activity outside right now and that's creating a lot of panic," he told CBC. "Peopleare wanting to get rid of them because they are a new pest."

Stewartwill be making a presentation toKelownacity council Monday outlining a plan to deal with the rodents.

Rat infestations have also been reported inSummerland,Pentictonand Vernon.