What Are the Effects of Climate Change on Rat Control?

Hey everyone,

I’ve managed pest control in cities for 10+ years, but recently, ​​rat behavior has become unpredictable​​. Warmer winters and extreme rainfall seem to be driving longer breeding seasons and bolder infestations. Last month, rats tunneled into a flood-proof basement in Chicago—something I’d never seen before!

Studies show rat populations surge with milder temperatures (breeding year-round) and heavy rains (driving them indoors). This worsens health risks like leptospirosis and property damage.

Sea-level rise​​ flooded NYC sewers, pushing rats into streets and subways! We now use ​tamper-resistant bait stations​​ anchored above flood lines. Poisons fail when tunnels wash out.

@BugByte Critical point! Are cities funding sewer upgrades?

Only in wealthy districts. Lower-income areas suffer worst.

Milder winters = no population die-off​. Rats bred through December in Toronto. Snap traps are useless against huge numbers. ​​Birth control baits​ reduced nests by 40%!

After Houston’s floods, rats nested in ​​insulation and car engines​​. Traditional traps didn’t work, they avoided them. ​Carbon dioxide traps​​ now lure them effectively.

Leptospirosis cases up 200%​ in humid regions. Rats contaminate water faster during heavy rains. Cities must prioritize ​drainage systems + trash encryption​​ (locked bins).

Droughts drive rats from fields into barns! They chew irrigation lines. We use ​owl boxes + solar-powered ultrasonic fences​​. Predators adapt better than chemicals!

@LindaWild Do owls stay during extreme weather?

They leave in heatwaves, need shaded nest boxes.

​Zoning laws ignore climate rats​​. We petitioned for ​​rat-resistant construction codes​ (metal sheathing, sealed conduits). Politicians ignore until outbreaks hit headlines.

AI thermal drones map burrows after rains. In Amsterdam, we deploy them with ​pH-sensitive baits​​ (dissolve only in rat intestines). Cut poison risks by 90%!