Rentokil is the world’s largest pest control company, operating in 90 countries around the world. Its 2024 State of the Rodents report is out. If you don’t like rats, this document is not reassuring and its conclusions are not good for food safety.
According to the report, there has been an increase in rodent activity nationwide, particularly black rats, in growing urban centers.
Milder winters, rapid construction and urban population growth are fueling infestations that threaten food safety and brand trust in the foodservice and processing industries.
Key findings of the report include:
Black rat populations are increasing
These rodents are commensal: they live close to humans and depend on us for food, water and shelter. Thus, the growth of the urban population often corresponds to the growth of the black rat population.
Faster, cheaper new construction presents new challenges
Structures built quickly with cheaper materials and often substandard construction practices are more vulnerable to rodent infestations. The exterior spaces of the buildings facilitate access.
Foam insulation is soft and easy to chew through. Rodents will exploit these and any other weaknesses they can find.
Rodents move with people
When people move from one area to another and settle into new structures, they may inadvertently bring rodents with them. They can even introduce new species into previously untouched areas. And as urban areas continue to grow, rodent populations will increase as well.
Warmer temperatures contribute to increasing rodent populations
Warmer temperatures and milder winters provide an ideal environment for longer lifespans and breeding seasons. And that means a booming rodent population.
The West saw a 27% increase in rodent activity in 2024 compared to 2023.
San Francisco and Los Angeles rank second and third, respectively, among U.S. cities with the most reported rodent activity.
The four southwestern states of Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona saw rodent activity increase 25% in 2024 compared to 2023.
The 12 Midwestern states saw a 76 percent increase in rodent activity in 2024 compared to 2023. The states that saw the most significant increases in the region were Ohio with 275 percent, Indiana with 242 percent and Wisconsin with 191 percent.
Rodent reports in the Northeast increased by 36 percent. Rhode Island stands out with a 212 percent increase recorded.
The Southeast saw a similar increase of 39 percent, with Kentucky seeing the largest increase at 160 percent.
The Rentokil report offers guidance to specific industries for combating rodents, including detailed instructions for food and beverage processing, retail food service and other affected sectors. However, the 3 main principles for businesses dealing with rats and other rodent infestations are: 1. Use best exclusion practices; 2. Make trash less accessible and 3. Don’t let your landscape get out of control
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