WASHINGTON – The Nationwide Pest Administration Affiliation (NPMA) has launched its bi-annual Public Well being Pest Index – and the nation’s capital ought to put together for a potential surge in vermin.
The examine was printed to boost consciousness about well being threats posed by pests and highlights eleven U.S. cities, together with Washington, D.C., which can be vulnerable to a surge in disease-spreading bugs, bugs, and rodents via the remainder of the winter and spring.
“Whereas we won’t management the climate’s impression on pest exercise, we are able to take proactive steps to arrange for what’s to return,” stated Dr. Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for NPMA within the report. “This report is about defending public well being and equipping householders and companies with the information to remain one step forward, and that begins with studying the dangers and leaning on the knowledgeable professionals who can hold these pests at bay.”
Right here’s what the index says about DC
DC: Following an unpredictable winter that started with unseasonably heat temperatures and concluded with heavy snowfall, rodent stress within the space has considerably elevated. Early spring circumstances may additional escalate tick exercise, heightening well being dangers for the area.
Listed below are the opposite high U.S. cities named in NPMA’s Public Well being Pest Index:
Boston: Brutal snowstorms and chilly snaps mid-winter push rodents indoors. Hotter spring may jumpstart tick exercise.
Cleveland: Delicate, soggy winter circumstances enable pest populations to flourish. Cockroaches and ticks thrive.
Denver: Frigid, snow-packed begin drives home mice indoors. Count on elevated white-footed mouse exercise in rural areas.
Florida: Dry winter sends cockroaches indoors. Excessive chilly drives rodents inside. Hotter spring and elevated rainfall may spur mosquito resurgence.
Grand Rapids: Document snowfall drives rats and mice indoors. Spring rain may increase tick populations.
Louisville: Excessive chilly and historic snowfall make properties and companies prime targets for rats and mice. Heat spring might set off early tick exercise.
New Orleans: Historic snowfall sends rats and cockroaches indoors. Rising temperatures anticipated to convey again mosquitoes.
Salt Lake Metropolis: Chilly winter sends home and white-footed mice indoors.
San Antonio: Document heat retains mosquitoes, cockroaches, and ticks lively. Early spring surge in pest-related well being considerations anticipated.
Seattle: Heat, dry winter will increase indoor rodent and cockroach exercise. Spring rain may increase tick populations.
Get extra particulars on-line.
The Supply: FOX 5 DC and NPMA’s Public Well being Pest Index