On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Philadelphia’s trash collectors went on strike. It is everything a pest could ever ask for. Uncollected garbage means free food, and lots of it, piling up across the city. Pests don’t see garbage the way people do; they see a city-sized buffet. Pests will come out of wherever they are hiding to take part in their unexpected bounty. Most pests breed rapidly, but the epic trash buildup could cause populations to grow exponentially. And with those increased populations come increases in pest-related ailments, ranging from diseases to asthma triggers to food contamination. The longer the strike lasts the worse the pest problems will get. This extreme situation will require an aggressive and proactive pest control response if you want to minimize pest-related risks to your Philadelphia home or business.
The pest population explosion will be most dire for businesses that produce substantial food waste. Restaurants and grocery stores need to be especially concerned, as there will be exponentially higher pest pressure on their exteriors. It is imperative for food waste to be disposed of carefully in sealed containers whenever possible. Rats can and will chew through thin plastic bags, so bagging will not be enough.
Though preventing pests will be substantially more difficult during and in the aftermath of the strike, customers will still react negatively to signs of pest infestation. Seeing a rat or cockroach in your place of business will still cause significant negative publicity, and, fair or unfair, it’s unlikely that customers will grade you on a curve.
But a substantial increase in pests will do more than reputational damage to businesses. More pests mean more risk of pest-related ailments for you, your family, and your pets. With increases in the number of mice, flies, roaches, ants, and rats in Philadelphia, come the associated health risks. Rats are known for spreading diseases like Salmonella, Leptospirosis, and Typhus. These diseases can spread through contact with urine, feces, or saliva, or by getting bitten. This contamination is especially hazardous on urban streets where the mere act of drinking from an afflicted puddle can make your dog dangerously, potentially fatally sick. Increases in cockroach populations mean more allergic and asthmatic reactions. Flies, among the least sanitary of all pests, are known for spreading Dysentery, gastroenteritis, E. Coli, typhoid, and conjunctivitis.
All pests are a threat to home and business sanitation, making it even more important that you keep your space clean and disinfected. The key to staying ahead of this surge in pest activity is quick intervention. Viking Pest Control is the exclusive provider of SMART rodent control in Philadelphia. This advanced pest monitoring system can track rodent activity 24/7, helping to catch infestations early before they can fully begin. If pest populations are allowed to explode, the cost, time, and effort to manage infestations will skyrocket. Waiting until pests have taken root inside your walls, kitchen, or storage areas is a costly mistake. The smartest move is to act now—before pests get the upper hand.
Viking Pest Control offers expert pest management professionals and proven solutions tailored to this pest control crisis. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to protect your family from rats in Philadelphia or a business owner needing to safeguard your reputation and inventory, our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach delivers results that are fast, effective, and environmentally responsible.
We offer discreet, professional service for businesses and comprehensive home protection plans for residences in the Philadelphia area and beyond. With cutting-edge tools, local expertise, and a proactive mindset, we can help you endure this surge and recover quickly.
Don’t wait for the next trash pile to become a breeding ground. Contact Viking Pest Control today for a free estimate and start protecting what matters most.
