How Alberta Eradicated Rats

Perceptions of Alberta’s “Rat-Free” Status”

• Many commenters reiterate that wild rats are essentially absent from most of Alberta; several lifelong residents say they never saw one until traveling.
• Others stress “rat-free” is shorthand: rats do appear, mainly in border zones or via shipments, but are quickly eradicated, like “measles-free” meaning no sustained transmission.
• Lack of seaports and lower introduction pressure are seen as structural advantages.
• Alberta runs an official rat-control program with online sighting reports.
• Alberta still has abundant other rodents (mice, gophers, voles), sometimes causing significant problems.

Regional Experiences with Rats and Cockroaches

• Strong contrast between regions: some Canadians and rural residents report never seeing rats or roaches; others (e.g., Toronto’s Chinatown, Montreal, US South) describe them as common and visible.
• High-rise living and colder climates are associated with fewer visible cockroaches.
• People debate which insects feel more frightening or disgusting (roaches vs spiders, centipedes, moths).
• Cockroaches are linked by some to poverty and traumatic childhood memories.

Ecology, Predators, and Disease

• Some argue eradicating rats might be ecologically moot because other rodents fill the niche; others reply that rats are unusually destructive and invasive.
• Coyotes, foxes, cats, snakes, birds of prey, and bobcats are noted as rodent predators; there’s debate over encouraging coyotes given pet-safety concerns.
• Ticks: one claim that Alberta ticks don’t spread Lyme is challenged by others citing newer evidence of Lyme-carrying ticks and climate-driven spread; Rocky Mountain spotted fever is also mentioned.

Rat Control Methods and Toxicology

• Warfarin-based poisons are discussed; a historical anecdote describes a pest officer eating treated oats to prove safety.
• Commenters emphasize “the dose makes the poison,” inter-species differences in sensitivity, metabolic rate, and the role of vitamin K as a reversal agent.

Policy, Governance, and Replicability

• Alberta’s success is cited as proof that determined, coordinated public policy can achieve ambitious eradication goals, alongside examples like malaria, smallpox, and screwworm.
• Others are pessimistic about replicability elsewhere or long-term permanence.
• One commenter contrasts Alberta’s proactive rat policy with Boise’s fragmented, “not our problem” approach.
• There’s debate over whether public programs are necessary or whether private pest control could achieve similar results.

Related Media and Humor

• The thread references podcasts, YouTube videos, film extras, prior HN discussions, and a gopher museum.
• Numerous jokes and puns appear about rats in government, separatists, Tolkien monsters in New Zealand, and cartoonish ACME solutions.