Just as germs can become resistant to antibiotics used in humans, rats and mice can develop immunity to commonly used rodenticides. Our Monmouth County NJ exterminator staff takes a look at what this means for efforts to control the rodent population.
Rodents Getting Harder to Kill?
The UK group Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use recently released data that’s causing some concern among members of the pest control industry. According to their study, 74 percent of rats in the UK carry a gene that provides resistance to frequently-used rodenticides.
This information comes on the heels of a spike in the UK rodent population. A 25 percent increase from 2019 has been attributed to fallout from coronavirus shutdowns.
The Science Behind “Super Rats”
The report also highlighted the discovery that 20 percent of rats have two different genes that provide them with higher resistance. Experts believe the higher population has created more occasions of inbreeding, resulting in the genetic changes.
As our Monmouth County NJ exterminator staff knows, cold weather is often an ally in efforts to reduce the rat and mouse population. This year, there are fears that temperatures will be too mild to have the usual effect, which could lead to a major challenge to pest control in 2021.
Top Monmouth County NJ Exterminator Services from Allison Pest
Are rodents, insects or other pests causing problems in your home or business? Contact Allison Pest to schedule a free inspection by our cheerful, professionally trained Monmouth County NJ exterminator technicians.
