By no surprise, rats have made themselves comfortable by residing in major cities worldwide. The rat population varies from city to city, but it has become evident that rat infestation has increased over time. There are several theories on why the rat population is on the rise in cities, but as of now, the evidence received aims towards climate change. Keep reading below to learn more about the ongoing rat infestation issues that have taken over major cities. 

Stating the Facts

Extensive research regarding the ongoing rat infestations happening in major cities has been done by Jonathan Richardson, who is a biology professor at the University of Richmond. Since there have been numerous news reports of rats taking over cities, Richardson and his team decided to take matters into their own hands. They began focusing their research on some of the world’s largest major cities and were able to locate 12 years’ worth of recorded data on recorded rat sightings. 

By utilizing the given data, they realized that there had been increasing trends of rats within 11 out of the 16 cities studied. The data also provided the reasoning behind significant rat population increases due to the high population growth of people, decreased urban vegetation, and warmer temperatures. 

Hazards Stemming From Climate Change

Rats prefer warmer weather to colder weather because it limits their social interactions. With warmer weather, rats are likelier to be outdoors and reproduce in higher amounts than colder weather. Scents of food and waste appear to smell clearer in warmer climates, contributing to rats being seen more frequently. 

Aside from being on the hunt for food, rats cause damage to properties, contaminate food in restaurant settings, and can start fires by biting through wires. It is also stated that rats cost billions of dollars in damage each year alone in the United States. Rats don’t just cause hazards; they are hazards! These tiny pests carry various diseases through their urine, feces, and nests and are contaminated with parasites. One of these diseases is leptospirosis, which can cause liver and kidney damage to humans or even death! Rats are also guilty of causing severe mental health problems. As we mentioned previously, rat infestations in major cities have worsened over the years, and city residents now fear coming across these pesky rodents in their everyday lives!

Contact Baystate Wildlife For Rat Removal Services

The experts at Baystate Wildlife Life are no strangers to rats. These furry pests can cause thousands of dollars of damage while infesting your property with diseases. If your home or property faces a rat problem or infestation, do not hesitate to contact us regarding our exclusion services. Make the first step by calling (781)830-6080 or filling out our contact form today!