An unsettling rat infestation continues to plague two Calgary-based paper and waste recycling facilities, nearly two years after the issue was first identified. The pesky rodents have found a home within two southeast-based recycling facilities, namely Capital Paper Recycling and Cascades Recovery+. These particular units are responsible for processing Calgary’s recycling.
It has become evident that not all individuals adhere to stringent guidelines of waste disposal, resulting in the unacceptable dumping of food items in blue recycling boxes. The available and abundant food supply has created an enticing and continual buffet for the rats, as confirmed by Karen Wickerson from the Alberta Rat Control Program.
Meanwhile, The City of Calgary is vigilantly observing the unsettling scenario in these recycling facilities. Each business has been tasked with executing clear and well-structured plans of actions to tackle this concerning matter. Owners of the businesses have been making significant improvements, and will continue to be scrutinized till the predicament is completely resolved, according to the City of Calgary Bylaw statement.
Brendan Campbell, a skilled professional from Abell Pest Control (albeit not presently engaged in battling this active infestation), opined that it is quite challenging to exterminate rats. From his experience, immediate action right from the first sighting is crucial to halt and prevent further proliferation.
While it is acknowledged that the infestation is currently contained, weekly on-site visits have recorded continual evidence of the pests. The bait stations installed for the rats have been used, indicating their continued presence. With the constant availability of food, coupled with the onset of cold weather, it seems the rodents have little reason to vacate the premises voluntarily, says Wickerson.
The particular breed of rat identified within Calgary facilities is the Norway rat, one of the two species – the other being roof rats, that Alberta is burdened with combatting. A representative from Cascades Recovery+ has conveyed that no workers have sighted an actual rat within the facility for over two months. Additionally, they are cooperating extensively with a pest control contractor to eradicate the issue.
Both city and provincial authorities have speculated that the rats may have found their way to the facilities via trucks. Cascades Recovery+ further posited that every truck entering and exiting the facility has traveled from regions within southern Alberta.
Despite Alberta enjoying a practically rat-free status since 1950, owing to the Rat Control Program, small infestations do occur sporadically. However, once discovered, advanced and tested control methods are utilized swiftly to isolate and eradicate the vermin. The essence of Alberta’s status signifies an absence of established rat populations, rather than a guarantee of never encountering them.
