This article originally appeared in The Viking Voice, Viking Pest Control's LinkedIn Newsletter
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, Camden County, NJ, and Philadelphia and Delaware County, PA, are three of the ten most rodent-infested counties in the United States, with Philadelphia County being the most infested county in the country. Notably, these three counties are located right next to each other. This isn’t a coincidence. There are clear and verifiable reasons why these areas need extra attention from pest control professionals.
Philadelphia County and the City of Philadelphia are essentially synonymous. The city has long struggled with rodent infestations, ranking among the most rat-infested cities in the country. A combination of aging infrastructure, improper waste management, and a high density of food establishments has created ideal conditions for rats and mice to thrive. Understanding the factors contributing to the problem and implementing effective control measures is essential for keeping Philadelphia’s rodent population in check. Conditions are similar in Camden and Delaware counties which also have numerous highly urbanized areas.
The Impact of Housing and Construction
Older construction is a frequent culprit for rodent infestations. Philadelphia, in particular, has a sizable number of buildings constructed in the 1940s and earlier that are still in regular use today. While often charming and nostalgic, these buildings were not built with rodent control in mind and provide numerous architectural weaknesses that allow them access. Older buildings are also more likely to have multi-tiered interiors, including multiple layers of ceilings and flooring between which rodents can hide.
However, older buildings aren’t the only problem. Another major contributor to rodent infestations in Philadelphia, Delaware and Camden Counties is poor construction quality in housing complexes. Many buildings and houses, particularly those built between the 1980s and early 2000s, feature porous construction, making them more susceptible to rodent entry. These structures were often built with size and cost efficiency in mind, neglecting to seal the exteriors as thoroughly as construction from the preceding and subsequent eras.
Additionally, abandoned buildings serve as long-term reservoirs for rodent populations. These neglected structures often go unchecked for years, allowing rats and mice to multiply and eventually spread to neighboring areas.
Food Sources and Urban Environments
Despite the lack of natural food sources in urban settings, Philadelphia provides an abundance of food through improperly managed waste. Trash disposal remains a significant issue, with overflowing dumpsters and littered streets offering a continuous food supply for rodents. This problem is exacerbated by the city’s numerous restaurants, which produce substantial amounts of waste close to residential areas.
Behavioral Patterns of Rodents
Different species of rodents exhibit unique nesting habits. White-footed field mice prefer elevated locations, often nesting in soffits and attics. In contrast, house mice prefer to nest close to the ground. Due to their small size and high metabolism, these animals struggle to maintain body heat and are drawn to indoor environments during colder months.
Rats, on the other hand, remain hidden until populations reach critical levels. In suburban areas, residents often don’t notice rat activity until infestations become severe. In urban areas, where sightings occur more frequently, residents tend to act on the problem sooner.
Rodents' high metabolism requires them to consume enormous amounts of calories relative to their body size. They seek warm resting spots such as compressor housings and behind ovens and dishwashers. Pregnant female rodents prioritize nesting materials over food, often pulling on furniture to create warm nests that can be up to 25 degrees warmer than the outdoor environment.
Moving Toward a City-Wide Solution
The urban infrastructure in these counties presents another obstacle to effective rodent control. A single city block may contain a public park, subway system, apartment complex, and commercial buildings, all interwoven in a way that allows rodents to move freely between different structures. This creates a cycle of reinfestation, as eliminating rodents in one building does not address the problem in adjacent buildings. City parks also serve as harborage locations for rodents, yet pest control efforts in these areas are often insufficient.
Currently, rodent control efforts are largely focused on individual properties rather than comprehensive city-wide solutions. To effectively reduce rodent populations, Philadelphia must prioritize improved trash management, stricter building maintenance regulations, and coordinated pest control efforts across public and private spaces. Addressing these issues will require collaboration between city officials, business owners, landlords, and residents to create a cleaner, healthier urban environment for all.
Viking Pest offers a community-focused rodent control option with SMART Cities. This program is designed to work on city streets and in sewers to monitor rodent activity and eliminate the pests where they are most active.
By taking proactive measures, Philadelphia, Delaware, and Camden counties can better manage their rodent populations and mitigate the long-term risks associated with urban infestations.
