London is dealing with an infestation, and this time they are not referring to students.

Health inspectors and bylaw officers became aware of the problem in the Fanshawe College area about a week and a half ago, in response to tenants calling the City and complaining about the prevalence of rats in their backyard.

Orest Katolyk, manager of bylaw enforcement, noted the primary concern of the City right now is containment.

“Our first plan of action was [to] notify all tenants, in working with the Middlesex Health Unit on the habits of rats and mice,” Katolyk said. “The focus will be on containment of garbage.”

Katolyk was quick to point out the area by Fanshawe College is heavily populated by students, often with multiple students living in each house. Garbage management is, therefore, a significant concern.

Rodents were also an issue in the area because of additional residences built on Fanshawe, leading to a higher vacancy rate where rats could live.

“It’s necessary that property owners visit these properties […] to ensure vermin haven’t gotten into the house,” Katolyk noted.

“Ultimately, the biggest emphasis is on prevention. And prevention is solved by good practices of garbage containment.”

—Meagan Kashty