Feb 8, 2017, 14:19 PM by Fred Speer

Pests in Abundance: The Most Vermin-Infested U.S. Cities

What are the most vermin-infested cities in the United States? According to a recent report in Bloomberg, New Orleans and Philadelphia came in at numbers one and two as the most cockroach- and rodent-infested cities in the country.

The findings were based on the federal government’s American Housing Survey (AHS), which queried homeowners on a number of topics, including if they have seen evidence of cockroaches, rats, or mice in their homes.

The Clark Man broke down the survey results to see how California cities faired, and here’s what he found. Read the full story at http://bloom.bg/2kFH1x2

Regarding cockroaches, Los Angeles ranked seventh, and Riverside and San Francisco ranked 11th and 17th, respectively. As for rodents, the Golden State didn’t crack the list’s Top 10 (fortunately) ,with San Francisco ranking 17th, Riverside 19th, and Los Angeles 20th.

In recent blogs, the Clark Man has discussed the threat cockroaches pose (INSERT LINK TO JAN. 23 POST) when it comes to triggering allergies, especially in children, and how rodents can access your home in search of food and shelter during winter (INSERT LINK TO JAN. 16 POST).

We also wanted to share links to a pair of informative videos from the National Pest Management Association that speak to cockroach allergies and rodents. We’ve also shared some helpful pest management tips from the Clark Man.

http://www.pestworld.org/videos/health/health-checks-cockroaches-and-allergies/

http://www.pestworld.org/videos/ask-the-pro/ask-the-pest-professor-mouse-hunt/

 

The Clark Man’s Top 5 Cockroach Prevention Tips  

1. Seal cracks around the outside of their home (along the foundation, around doors and windows, dryer vents, etc.) to deny cockroaches and other pests access to your home
2. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture frequently to remove potential threats
3. Keep counters and floors clean and free of crumbs that can attract pests
4. Empty garbage cans regularly and dispose of the bags properly
5. Remove sources of excess moisture (e.g., leaky faucets and pipes) in your home that could attract cockroaches

The Clark Man’s Top 10 Rodent Exclusion Tips

1. Seal vents and access points along the roof line, eaves, and attic
2. Eliminate clutter in garages or storage areas
3. Remove clutter around your property, including wood piles, leaves, and landscape debris
4. Don’t leave pet food bowls unattended or out overnight
5. Store dried bulk foods, pet food, and birdseed in sealed plastic containers
6. Keep rodents out with physical barriers; install door sweeps and screens on doors and windows
7. Block gaps around utility pipes and wires with rodent-control fill fabric; mice and rats only need a ¼- to ½-inch gap to enter
8. Block and seal any holes in the foundation and walls
9. Trim tree branches and landscape plants so they are not in contact with your home
10. Store garbage and recycling receptacles away from the home and keep them securely covered

If you’re concerned about cockroaches or rodents threatening your home, call or text (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or drop us an email at clarkcares@clarkpest.com.

Until next time, I’m the Clark Man, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.