'As people resume normal activities, food availability will rise,' says Ben Hottel, an Orkin entomologist. With more time spent around the home than ever before, residents should pay extra attention to the attractants that entice rats and mice. population faces a 'new normal,' managing an influx in rodent populations and activity in major cities across the country should remain a top concern. In fact, per Bloomberg, in New York City alone, the number of rodent complaints to a city hotline in March 2021 surged by 80%, and the number is also higher than pre-pandemic levels.ДЄs the U.S. Thanks to their human neighbors being back in houses and apartments, food and water sources have been replenished for rodents. The presence of rodents became so relevant that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued Rodent Control guidance on ways to keep rats and mice out of homes and businesses.ДЄs urban residents started to return to their city homes after the mass exodus following the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020, so did rat populations.

Without food waste to consume, these pests were seen scavenging new areas and exhibiting unusual or aggressive behavior. The pandemic-driven closure of restaurants forced rodents to find new food sources.

During an unprecedented last year, the visibility of rodents increased, creating concern for homeowners and business owners alike.

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