Carl DeMaio Warns Homelessness and Rodent Infestations in California May Cause Public Health Crisis

“California is being overrun by rodents – and without immediate emergency action by state and local government, we face significant economic costs and risk a public health crisis,” said DeMaio.

Among the findings in the expert report:

·    California is experiencing a massive spike in its rodent population that is both measured by available data sets and observed by field personnel.

·    Increase in California’s rodent population is not explained by environmental factors – but is directly related to the decision by some government officials to ban effective rodent control methods and a spike in the state’s homeless population.

·    Rodent infestations fueling an increase in reported cases of dangerous diseases such as Typhus – current rate of increase in cases raises concern regarding possible public health epidemic.

The report also outlines 4 recommendations for remediation framed by the expert panel, including:

• Declare a Public Health Emergency, Work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Require Local Governments Conduct Immediate Assessments
• Require Remediation Plans Be Formulated and Executed by Local Governments
• Launch Public Education Campaign For Businesses and Residents to Mitigate Risk Factors
• Oppose and Reject Assembly Bill 1788 – A Misguided Attempt to Ban Best Practice Pest Control Tools That Will Be Needed to Fight the Rodent Infestation

“Instead of acting to address this developing crisis, California state lawmakers are just days away from passing legislation (AB1788) to ban the best rodent control tools and methods available and would require use of less effective so-called green alternatives. It’s madness!,” DeMaio concluded.