Pest Control Costs Surge at Halifax-Area Hospitals Amid Rodent Infestations
Nova Scotia Health reports dramatic increases in pest control spending at the QEII Health Sciences Centre and Dartmouth General Hospital, with rodent captures numbering in the thousands over five years. Construction activity and aging infrastructure are cited as contributing factors.
Halifax-area hospitals are grappling with a sharp rise in pest control expenses and rodent sightings, according to data from Nova Scotia Health. Over the past five years, the QEII Health Sciences Centre saw its pest control budget jump from $35,942 to $323,075, an increase of 798 percent. 
Dartmouth General Hospital experienced an even steeper climb, with costs rising from $9,545 to $120,012 during the same timeframe—a 1,157 percent increase.
The financial surge corresponds with a high volume of captured pests. In the last five years, 1,435 mice or other rodents were caught across the QEII buildings, which cover 2.9 million square feet. A further 321 rodents have been captured at Dartmouth General Hospital over the same period.
Rodent activity has reached clinical areas. Jordan Bonaparte reported seeing mice scurrying around the halls and climbing onto a patient's bed at the Halifax Infirmary emergency department.
Construction on the acute care tower at the QEII Health Sciences Centre has contributed to the infestation by stirring up pests. Aging infrastructure is also considered a factor in the ongoing issue.
Other facilities in the region have faced different pest challenges. The IWK Health Centre spent $180,000 last year to address an unusual bird activity issue, largely involving pigeons. 
To manage the problem, Nova Scotia Health's response includes hiring professional exterminators for daily visits, asking staff to report sightings, and conducting external inspections to seal holes.