The effects of climate change on rodent infestations in cities

Rodents in urban areas

Cities are perfect habitats for rodents, which find sources of food and shelter in garbage, sewers and green spaces. Rat and mouse infestations are therefore a recurring problem in many cities around the world, jeopardizing public health and the quality of life of city dwellers.

Climate Change: A Growing Threat

Climate change has a significant impact on urban life, in particular by promoting the proliferation of rodents. Indeed, global warming and temperature variations have consequences on the behaviour and reproductive cycles of rodents, which are more active and reproduce more quickly in warm climates.

The impact of temperature variations

Temperature variations have a direct effect on rodent infestations. In summer, rodents are more active and seek water sources to quench their thirst, which often brings them to urban areas. In winter, rodents seek protection from the cold and bad weather by finding refuge in buildings, where they can reproduce and cause damage.

Increased rainfall promotes infestations

Increased rainfall due to climate change can also promote rodent infestations by creating more favourable conditions for their reproduction. Flooded areas are particularly conducive to the proliferation of rodents, which can reproduce quickly and endanger public health.

The consequences on public health

Rodent infestations in cities can have serious consequences for public health. Rodents are vectors of diseases, such as leptospirosis, plague, hemorrhagic fever, salmonellosis, and toxoplasmosis, which can be transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact with rodent urine, feces, or saliva.

Integrated rodent management solutions

Integrated rodent management is a holistic approach that aims to reduce rodent infestations and prevent their recurrence. This approach combines several rodent control methods, such as the use of traps, repellents, chemicals, physical barriers, sanitation techniques, and regulations.

Municipal initiatives to combat infestations

Many cities have rodent infestation control programs in place in collaboration with health, sanitation and environmental departments. These initiatives include awareness campaigns, regular inspections, street and sewer cleaning programs, waste management regulations, and rodent control measures.

Conclusion: Acting quickly to limit the harmful consequences

Climate change is having an increasing impact on rodent infestations in cities, jeopardizing public health and the quality of life of city dwellers. It is therefore essential to act quickly to implement integrated rodent management measures and to raise awareness of the health risks associated with rodent infestations. Local initiatives and cooperation between different actors are essential to limit the harmful consequences of rodent infestations on urban life.