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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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Rat populations are increasing nationwide, and California is not exempt from the issue, which stems from warmer climates, urbanization and recent legislation, according to experts.
Why It Matters
The states facing the biggest struggle against rodents are typically in the northeast because of the region's older infrastructure. However, the rat population is also on the rise in California.
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In 2024, Los Angeles was the second rattiest city in America, according to a report by pest control company Orkin. Chicago secured the top spot, with New York City coming in third.
Rodents can cause numerous issues, such as structural damage and health risks.
What To Know
On Orkin's 2024 Rattiest Cities List, San Diego ranked No. 18, and Sacramento was listed at No. 20.
"This data reflects areas with high rodent activity and treatment demand, providing insight into rodent issues across the state," Orkin entomologist Ian Williams told Newsweek.
In September 2024, the California legislature passed the Poison-Free Wildlife Act, which bans some rat poisons. In the months since, some people have claimed an increased rodent population has been to contend with.
Newsweek reached out to U.S. Representative Laura Friedman, who sponsored the Poison-Free Wildlife Act, via email for comment.
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Mike VanFossen, the assistant vice provost at Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) at Stanford University, discussed a rodent sighting at the university's Lakeside Dining in late February, The Stanford Daily reported.
VanFossen said that "a population increase of rodents" has occurred statewide following the legislation passed months ago. After reviewing the situation, VanFossen said the rodent accessed Lakeside Dining through an open door.
"Nationwide, we have seen an increase in rodent pressure and populations," Chris Wible, director of technical services for Terminix, told Newsweek, adding that urbanization and climate are contributing factors. "We are certainly seeing that in California as well, and legislation is a contributing factor to that by eliminating available tools to mitigate rodent populations."
What People Are Saying
Terminix's director of technical services, Chris Wible, told Newsweek: "We have seen increased reports from customers in California, and increased sightings, increased incidents with rodents."
Orkin entomologist Ian Williams told Newsweek: "A ban on certain treatment options does not necessarily mean communities will struggle more to control rat populations, but it does take one tool out of the proverbial 'toolbox' that is used to help manage rodents. Orkin prioritizes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. This approach emphasizes exclusion and sanitation, helping to limit rodents' access to food, water and shelter to naturally reduce their numbers.
"With the recent law changes, Orkin Pros lean on these IPM strategies even more while still also leveraging trapping and other control measures to help prevent rodents from getting into residential and business spaces."
California's Poison-Free Wildlife Act: "This bill would additionally prohibit the use of a first-generation anticoagulant rodenticide, defined as a pesticide product containing the active ingredients diphacinone, chlorophacinone, or warfarin, in a wildlife habitat area, as specified. The bill would prohibit the use of chlorophacinone or warfarin in the state and would require chlorophacinone and warfarin to be considered restricted materials, unless that prohibition is suspended by the director, as specified."
The act adds: "Rodenticides can be counterproductive to rodent control by poisoning, harming, and killing natural predators that help regulate rodent populations throughout California."
What Happens Next
Experts said the best way to mitigate pest issues is through proper sanitation and structural controls, such as keeping dumpsters closed and practicing sound sanitation and trash management, such as more frequent trash pickups.
People should also restrict the rodents' access to buildings, as an adult roof rat can enter a structure through a hole the size of a quarter. Wible said doors should be kept closed whenever they're not in use in residences and commercial buildings.
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