Full Podcast: https://lovethenorth.ca/article/260923-sudbury-rat-infestation-residents-demand Sudbury’s rat problem has become much more than an occasional backyard nuisance. In this episode, Ward 11 Councillor Bill Leduc, Minnow Lake resident Sasha, and Manon and Rhonda from E2 Pest Control discuss how the infestation developed, what residents are seeing, what attracts rats, and why acting before winter matters. Sasha describes seeing nine rats in her backyard at one time. Her Facebook post generated more than 200 comments, followed by a community survey, mapping of reported activity, meetings with the City, and a public meeting attended by local residents. Pest-control experts explain that rats thrive when they have easy access to food, water, and shelter. Garbage, bird feeders, fallen fruit, tall grass, standing water, debris, wood piles, and openings around homes or sheds can all create ideal conditions. Because rats reproduce quickly, a small problem can grow fast. That is why prevention matters now. Residents are encouraged to secure garbage, use green bins properly, remove clutter, trim vegetation, eliminate standing water, raise wood piles off the ground, and seal cracks or openings before rodents start looking for warm places to spend the winter. The episode also looks at the City’s role, including bylaw enforcement, education, maintaining public spaces, identifying hotspots, and encouraging residents to report rat activity. **This is not a problem one homeowner can solve alone. It will take residents, the City, public health, bylaw, and pest-control professionals working together — because what happens before winter could determine how serious the problem becomes next spring.** #Sudbury #MinnowLake #RatInfestation #PestControl #E2PestControl #CommunitySafety #GreaterSudbury #NorthernOntario #LoveTheNorth