Roof Rats, Termites and Cockroaches are thriving
in changing environmental conditions
MEMPHIS,
Tenn., Feb. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/
-- According to the NIDIS (National Integrated Drought
Information System), the total land area of drought conditions in
Mountain West and Pacific Coastal states have decreased by 62%,
dropping from 74% in January 2023 to
12% in January 2024. This shift in
weather conditions, along with increased urbanization and regional
regulatory restrictions can be linked to environmental changes
impacting pest populations. To help local residents better
understand these pest trends, Scott
Green, Technical Service Manager for Terminix®, a Rentokil
Terminix company, has pinpointed the top three pest threats across
the Mountain West and Pacific United States along with insights for
identifying and dealing with each pest.
Roof Rats
Roof rats are highly prevalent across the
western part of the U.S. Increased urbanization and the recently
established regulatory ban on some rodenticides in California are two regional factors that are
impacting this pest population.
Roof rats are commensal rodents, living near and dependent upon
the human habitat for survival. When these rodents infest homes,
they can be found in attics, eaves and on rooflines. The most
common identifying characteristic of a roof rat is their tail. Roof
rat tails are hairless and longer than the combined length of their
head and body, whereas the tails of other rats are hairy and
shorter than their head and body.The best way to avoid invasions of
roof rats is to provide as little harborage as possible. Limit
access to open food, ensure all trash is disposed of in closed
containers and seal as many holes and cracks on the outside of the
home through which rats might enter.
The problem with roof rats is intensified by their adaptability
to human dwellings and changing environmental areas. These rodents
are smart but predictable and often seek out the safest travel
patterns while trying to stay hidden. Increased urbanization along
the Pacific Coast and Mountain West region has allowed roof rats to
become accustomed to being in and around human homes and areas. If
a rat is spotted it's important to act quickly as there are likely
more hiding behind the surface.
In addition to increased urbanization, the regulatory ban issued
in California on certain
rodenticides has introduced a new layer of complexity in the battle
against these pests. The ban has forced the industry to think about
each situation individually, fostering a more nuanced and tailored
approach to pest management. This shift has led to improved
problem-solving strategies, demonstrating adaptability of the pest
management industry. In order to be successful there is a need for
ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to curb pest populations
safely and effectively.
Drywood Termites:
Drywood termites are a species of
termite that typically makes its home in dry wood that forms the
structural foundation of a home, as well as within wooden fixtures
and furniture inside a home. These insects are most often found
above ground and, unlike subterranean termites, do not need to make
contact with soil in order to thrive. Drywood termites are usually
found around coastal and other humid regions.
Although drywood termite colonies do not develop as
rapidly as other species of termites, these pests can expand
quickly and cause extensive damage to homes and businesses. A clear
sign of a drywood termite infestation is the collection of frass,
or granular fecal matter, on the floor or flat surface below the
wood they are inhabiting. These pests need areas with high humidity
as they get all their water by extracting it from the wood. As
drought stricken areas continue to decrease in western states,
Drywood termites have begun spreading to regions they have not been
seen before. This migration highlights the adaptability of pests to
environmental conditions as a recurring theme in these
insights.
Their ability to cause extensive damage adds to the challenges
faced by homeowners and business owners alike. Being proactive is
the best form of prevention. However, if signs of termite damage
are spotted or suspected contact a trusted pest management expert
as soon as possible.
Cockroaches:
The U.S. alone is home to about 70
different types of cockroaches. The American cockroach (palmetto
bug) and Oriental cockroach (water bug) are two species commonly
found in the Pacific and Mountain West regions of the U.S.
Oriental and American cockroaches are persistent. American
cockroaches tend to like more damp, steamy and warmer weather,
highlighting the vulnerability of areas no longer impacted by
extreme dryness. These pests typically enter a home or business
from the exterior. Signs of a potential cockroach infestation may
include: droppings (cylindrically shaped, black, about
two-millimeters in size), smear marks (brown and irregularly
shaped), shed skin or an unusual smell.
Aside from being a nuisance, these insects can carry bacteria
and pathogens like E. coli and salmonella. Due to their ability to
carry disease, anything a cockroach walks across, including food,
can become contaminated adding a public health dimension to the
pest challenge. When dealing with cockroaches, addressing the issue
at its source becomes imperative to prevent further migration and
potential disease transmission.
Roof rats, drywood termites, and cockroaches pose significant
pest challenges in the Pacific and Mountain West region, especially
with the ongoing changes in environmental conditions. Roof rats,
identified by their unique tail and adaptability to human habitats,
are increasingly prevalent along the coast due to the climate
conditions and urbanization. Drywood termites, thriving in dry wood
structures, present a costly threat to home and business owners.
Climate changes contribute to their migration to places these
termites have never been seen in before, emphasizing the
adaptability of these pests. Cockroaches, who can be carriers of
bacteria, pose additional risks especially in areas that are no
longer impacted by extreme dryness due to the changing
environmental factors. Addressing these concerns at their source is
vitally important for safe and effective pest control. Overall, the
adaptability of these pests underscores the importance of staying
vigilant and implementing tailored strategies in response to the
changing conditions, to ensure the well being of homes and business
in this region.
For more pest tips, or to learn more about local pest management
resources, please visit Terminix.com.
About Rentokil Terminix
Rentokil Terminix is the
leading provider of residential and commercial services in
North America. The company
provides health, hygiene, and environment services, and pest
management services, including protection against termites,
mosquitoes, rodents and other pests.Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., the company is part of
Rentokil Initial plc (NYSE: RTO), one of the largest business
services companies in the world. To learn more, visit
EnhancedPestControl.com, or
linkedin.com/company/rentokilterminix.
MEDIA CONTACT: Hannah Bernhard
Hannah.Bernhard@rentokil.com
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SOURCE Terminix