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Plague-Level Rat Invasion Alarms Mount Pleasant Residents
8 Aug
Summary
- Residents face growing rodent infestations, some with dozens of animals
- City and health authority do not handle pest control on private property
- Mount Pleasant resident describes "plague-level infestation" affecting neighborhood
As of August 8th, 2025, residents across Metro Vancouver are facing a growing crisis with rodent infestations, with some reporting dozens of animals living in their homes. While many people may encounter the occasional mouse or rat, others are dealing with sizable populations residing in their walls, attics, basements, and backyards.
The City of Vancouver and Vancouver Coastal Health have made it clear that property owners are responsible for addressing pest control issues on their private property. Under the city's standards of maintenance bylaw, homeowners must ensure their buildings are protected from the entry of rodents, insects, and other vermin.
One Mount Pleasant resident, Karl Dreyer, has been particularly vocal about the "overwhelming and dangerous rat infestation" affecting his backyard and the surrounding public spaces. Dreyer says the issue has reached "plague-level" proportions, posing a serious public health crisis in a heavily trafficked area. He has shared videos of the infestation online, which have garnered widespread attention.
Despite the severity of the situation, the city and health authority have not been able to intervene, as the problem is confined to private property. Dreyer has had to rely on the help of a professional pest control company, which has offered its services pro bono to address the crisis.
