Rats are becoming a growing issue we are unfortunately experiencing at all of our community gardens. We have also noticed an increase of crows feeding from garden beds.

One reason we think we are seeing this rat problem increase is because in July of 2022, the BC government imposed a province wide ban on the use of rodenticides over the concerns the poison is inadvertently killing owls, among other wildlife. Because of this, the rat population has been thriving in our city.

While there is not a lot we can do about the pests, we do offer one suggestion that has worked for some of our gardeners - installing a ‘cage’ around the garden bed to protect your plants.

Here is a photo for reference if you are interested in giving it a try: