Rats and mice are common in many U.S. cities, and seven California communities are no exception. The Bay Area — including San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose — is among the top 50 rodent-infested cities in the country, according to the pest control company Terminix.
Rodents can be a persistent problem in cities because of access to food waste, sanitation practices and suitable habitats, according to Terminix. Cities with the most rats and mice often have high population densities, with easy access to food and mild climates.
The creatures can create public health concerns and cause significant property damage.
Terminix looked at data from its more than 300 branches nationwide to determine which cities most frequently used rodent control services.
New York City was the top city that used rodent control services most frequently last year, according to Terminix. Los Angeles claimed the second spot, followed by the San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia and Chicago.
Washington, D.C. was nudged out of the top five this year and came in at No. 6 on Terminix’s list.
Meanwhile, Palm Springs ranked No. 21. San Diego came in at No. 30, trailed by Fresno-Visalia at No. 44. Monterey-Salinas followed at No. 48.
Signs of a rodent infestation include:
Small droppings in your home, often in the back of drawers and cabinets, and on the floor along wallsHoles or gnaw marks in food packagingChewed wires or floor moldingUrine stains in the corner of shelves, the back of drawers, or cabinetsNesting debris found (chewed paper, cardboard, insulation, other fibrous materials)Scratching or thumping in walls
To prevent mice and rats from entering your home, Terminix suggests you: