The most recent Top 50 Rattiest Cities list from Orkin includes two major population centers in California. The highest ranking California city on the list was Los Angeles (2^nd) followed by San Francisco (5^th). The list was compiled from new rodent treatments performed by the company from September 15, 2020 through September 15, 2021. 

Rats and mice rodents will try to live in and around people's homes, schools and businesses as they seek shelter and food. The presence of rodents can lead to both property damage and health concerns for building occupants living or working in infested properties. 

In addition to chewing through wood, insulation and many other materials, rodents are known to gnaw on electrical wires. This can result in dangerous and costly fires. Rodents are also known to chew through water and drain pipes which could result in flooding, water damage, mold growth and even sewage contamination. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), worldwide, rats and mice spread over 35 diseases. These diseases can be spread to humans directly, through handling of rodents, through contact with rodent feces, urine or saliva, or through rodent bites. Diseases carried by rodents can also be spread to humans indirectly, through ticks, mites or fleas that have fed on an infected rodent. 

“Another problem for many people is allergies,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing's Huntington Beach facility. “A significant percentage of people are allergic to their presence. Exposure could even trigger an asthma attack in some people with the condition. This is why LA Testing offers laboratory services and simple test kits to identify rat, mouse, cockroach, dog, cat and other common indoor allergens. This service can help to identify indoor problems and provide building occupants who suffer from allergies and asthma the information they need to mitigate exposure risks. Testing can also be instrumental for helping to determine how comprehensively an indoor environment has been remediated following a rodent infestation.”  

LA Testing sponsored an educational video about rodent infestations, property damage and indoor environmental quality concerns several years ago that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/0oiH1jj8ELU 

To learn more about rat, mouse and other indoor allergen testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. To access test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California's leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash, and smoke damage, particulates, and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health, and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego, and Ontario.

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