Dry ice proposed to deal with Windsor's rat problem

Windsor city officials could be turning to dry ice to deal with the latest rat problem.

There has been a bumper crop of rats in Windsor this year due to last year's warm winter. The problem is plaguing Ontario and was a major topic of discussion at Tuesday's Ward Two meeting.

Environmental Services Manager Ann Marie Albidone says dry ice works better than poison because the rats don't need to eat the dry ice to be killed.

"With the poison we need the rats to actually eat that poison in order to have the same effect," she said. "If there's a food source nearby that's more attractive than the poison the poison is not going to be very effective."

A report on the rat problem will be going to Windsor city council.

Coun. John Elliott urged residents to contact bylaw enforcement if their neighbours have a messy yard where rats like to breed.

"They look at their neighbours and they've junk piles," said Elliott.

"I can call it in, but unless those residents make those complaints... and me backing up the other end that's when bylaw can really do their job," said Elliott.

Other concerns brought up include truck noise on Huron Church road, people parking on their lawns and the status of the new rail tunnel near Wellington Road.