This North Carolina city finds itself on a list it rather would not be on.

Rats are in the trash to eat. Stinky and damp. Selective focus.
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This City Has A Rat Problem

The latest report by Orkin, a renowned pest control company, places this North Carolina city among the top 50 rattiest cities in the United States. Moving up four places from last year, this city now ranks at number 38, highlighting a growing rodent management issue within the city.

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One of the Most Rat-Infested Cities

Charlotte, North Carolina, finds itself ranked #38 on the Top 50 Rattiest Cities in the U.S. according to Orkin pest control.

Just below Charlotte, at number 39, is the city of Buffalo, with a population of approximately 267,000 people. New Orleans is slightly ahead at number 37, with around 376,000 residents. The rat situation, however, is not unique to Charlotte, as David Goodson, a local resident, points out the significantly growing size of rats in other major cities like New York.

Orkin's Rattiest Cities List
Orkin's Rattiest Cities List
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The Rats Are Becoming A Concern

The increasing number of rat-related calls is a concerning trend noted by Clay Ramsey, a professional at Carolina Pest Management. According to Ramsey, what once were weekly inquiries about rat management have now escalated to several times a day. He attributes this surge to various factors including the population growth in Charlotte, an increase in food sources due to more restaurants, and certain areas within the city being particularly prone to rodent issues.

In response to the escalating problem, Mecklenburg County has initiated a new approach to control the rodent population by imposing a $100-a-day fine for property owners who fail to manage rat infestations effectively. However, the criteria for what constitutes an out-of-control rodent population remain undefined.

Ramsey emphasizes the critical role of sanitation in addressing the root cause of rodent attraction. They are going to go to the food source, and that food source starts with sanitation number one, he explained.

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Manage Your Waste To Keep The Rats Away

As Charlotte grapples with its position on the unwanted list of rattiest cities, the emphasis on proper waste management and pest control measures has never been more urgent.

It’s best to call an exterminator to deal with rats as soon as possible. An infestation can get out of hand fast as rats reproduce quickly. To avoid attracting rats, garbage should be properly disposed of and sealed with lids.

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These 50 US Cities are Crawling with Bed Bugs

Every year the pest control gurus at Orkin put together a list of the Top 50 Bed Bug Destinations in the United States. Which areas do you travel to that you should take extra care to watch out for these blood-sucking insects? Let's countdown to the most bed-bug-riddled city in the United States.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

 

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