If even just thinking about vermin gives you the heebie-jeebies you won't be thrilled to know that 7 of the most rodent infested cities in America are in Florida.
When it comes to mice, rats or really any critters that are not meant to be in the house, it sure can be a shock to the system if you spot one. I would honestly be more bothered by a snake than a mouse, but even for as cute, little and furry as they are, I prefer them to be somewhere else. I don't know anyone who welcomes them, unless they have one for a pet, but some people get straight up grossed out by the idea of them. It may be because of the diseases they can carry, a straight up fear of rats or the disgust factor of pests damaging property and contaminating food.
But like them or not, there's not much we can do and 7 of the most rodent infested cities in America are right here in Florida.
7 Of The Most Rodent Infested Cities In America Are In Florida
Terminix, a pest-control company, just released their list of the 50 most rodent infested cities in America. They looked at which cities used pest-control companies the most over the last year. It shouldn't come as a surprise that New York City came in at #1. I've seen rats the size of dogs there! A funny moment on the streets of Manhattan was when I saw a rat eating a piece of pizza. Very New York of him! San Francisco and Los Angeles round out the top 3.
Here in Florida, 7 cities made the list, including right here in Southwest Florida, though it's nowhere near the top. Tampa-St. Petersburg came in at #17, the Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne at #18, Miami-Fort Lauderdale at #22, West Palm Beach-Fort Pierce at #42, Pensacola at #44, Fort Myers-Naples at #48 and Jacksonville came in at #50. To see the full list click here
Terminix has a few tips to prevent rodents from taking up residence in your home. First, organize cluttered storage areas to limit possible nesting sites. Seal places they can get in like cracks and openings near doors, windows and foundations. Store food in airtight containers. Keep living spaces clean and get rid of crumbs. And regularly dispose of garbage in tightly sealed bins.