MONTEREY, Calif. — A new report recently released by Terminix, a rodent control service, listed the city of Monterey as one of the top 50 most rodent-infested cities in the U.S. in 2023.
According to the study on Terminix’s website, Monterey ranked as the 45th most rodent-infested city in the U.S. and last among seven California cities.
Here is a look at how those cities across the state ranked on the list:
- San Francisco – 2nd
- Los Angeles – 3rd
- Sacramento – 12th
- Palm Springs – 25th
- San Diego – 29th
- Fresno – 43rd
- Monterey – 45th
Terminix said common signs that there are rats and mice in your home include:
- Small droppings or urine stains on the floor along the walls and behind drawers and cabinets
- Floor molding
- Footprints and tail-drags in dust
- Scratching or thumping in walls
- Nesting debris found
- Holes or gnaw marks in food packaging
- Chewed wires
The company said more rodents are found in cities with high population densities, easy access to food and mild climates, causing significant property damage and a serious public health concern. These are some of the steps they recommend homeowners take to prevent them from entering:
- Seal cracks, openings around doors, windows and foundations with durable materials
- Keep living spaces clean and organized
- Regularly take out garbage
- Store food in airtight containers
Factors such as sanitation practices, food waste access and suitable habits play a role in the amount of rodents seen in a city…