Indiana City is One of the Most Rodent-Infested in the Country

Apparently, one Indiana city is among the most rodent-infested in the United States. Care to guess which one?

Rats and mice are among some of the most loathed pests. According to Action Pest, Indiana is home to the Norway rat, and this rat species will chew through wood, aluminum siding, and even concrete. The most common mouse species in Indiana is the house mouse. They will enter your home through an opening only 1/4 inch in diameter. During the colder months, you'll notice them trying to invade your home to seek warmth. They are most certainly unwelcomed guests who will try to live rent-free in your home. That's especially true in one Indiana city.

Terminix released a new ranking for 2024 for the 50 most rodent-infested cities in America. In order to determine the top 50 cities, they used data from over 300 Terminix branches nationwide and compiled a list of cities where residents utilized rodent control services most frequently in 2023 within their designated service areas. According to Terminix:

The cities with the most rats and mice are usually determined by factors such as sanitation practices, food waste access, and suitable habitats. These rodents can cause significant property damage and can be a serious public health concern in many urban areas, which may make you wonder, what city has the most rats or mice?

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Indiana City is One of the Most Rodent-Infested in the Country

It most likely won't come as a surprise to you that New York City came in at number one on this list. However, one Indiana city also made the cut. Indianapolis is the 19th most rodent-infested city in the nation. This is certainly not a list that Indianapolis wants to find itself on.

According to Terminix, there are some common signs of rodent infestation. These include:

• Small droppings in the home, including the back of drawers and cabinets, and on the floor along walls
• Holes or gnaw marks in food packaging
• Chewed wires or floor molding
• Urine stains in the corner of shelves, the back of drawers, or cabinets
• Footprints and tail-drags in dust
• Nesting debris found(chewed paper, cardboard, insulation, other fibrous materials)
• Scratching or thumping in walls

Prevention for Rats and Mice

There are ways to protect your family and home from these little pests. Seal any cracks and openings you find including around doors and windows, store food in containers, keep your space as clean as you can, and organize and clutter areas in your home. You will also want to regularly dispose of garbage in tightly sealed bins to minimize food sources.

These rodents aren’t just annoying; they can be a serious nuisance and health hazard to your home. They can chew through wires, contaminate food, and transmit diseases. Their droppings can also contain harmful bacteria and parasites. So make sure you take preventative measures now before they start invading your home, whether you live in one of these cities or not.