The Town of Hanover, Ontario, is launching a new plan to handle an increase in rodent sightings across the community as of March 26, 2026. Local officials are taking action by implementing proactive measures and are asking for help from the public to reduce the number of pests in the area.
Residents and business owners are being asked to help by keeping their properties tidy and sealing any holes where rodents could get inside. The Town of Hanover suggests that people should focus on storing garbage in secure bins, trimming long grass, and clearing out piles of debris where pests might hide.
The town’s property maintenance rules, officially called the Clean and Clear Yards By-law, require all property owners to keep their land free of pests. People who do not keep their properties clear of infestations can be fined $150 for the violation.
According to data from Abell Pest Control, there has been a 15 per cent increase in rat activity across the country over the last three years. Other Ontario municipalities, such as Toronto and the City of Welland, have also created special programs to handle similar pest problems.
Hanover is home to nearly 8,000 people and features major food processing businesses like Exceldor Foods and New-Life Mills. Residents who see rodents are encouraged to report the sightings via the town’s online citizen request portal to help with the new control efforts.
