Rodent Activity Expands Beyond Coastal Cities, Exposing 1.2 Million Inland Californians to New Public Health Risks

Bakersfield pest control company owner warns of growing inland rodent issues driven by climate shifts and urban growth

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Rodent activity, long concentrated in California's dense coastal metros, is increasingly expanding into inland communities, exposing an estimated 1.2 million residents to new public health risks, according to population data and public health surveillance. Researchers and health officials say the shift reflects a convergence of climate volatility, urban expansion, and aging housing infrastructure that is reshaping where rodents can thrive.

Why it matters

Rodents are not merely a nuisance issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rats and mice are known carriers of pathogens, parasites, and allergens that can affect human health when infestations persist undetected. Public health officials note that prolonged exposure can contribute to respiratory irritation, food contamination, and secondary pest problems, particularly among children, seniors, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

The details

Climate instability is a primary driver of the inland shift. Research from NOAA and the California Climate Assessment shows that prolonged droughts followed by episodic heavy rainfall have disrupted traditional rodent habitats. As agricultural fields and irrigation systems dry out or flood unpredictably, rodents migrate toward urban environments that offer consistent access to food and shelter. Warmer winters have further reduced seasonal population decline, allowing rodent activity to remain elevated year-round. Urban development patterns compound the problem, as rodents displaced from farmland or construction zones often migrate directly into nearby homes and businesses. Older housing stock common in inland communities frequently contains crawl spaces, utility penetrations, and structural gaps that allow easy entry without proactive rodent control measures.

  • Rodent-related service calls and environmental health alerts have increased across multiple inland jurisdictions in recent years.
  • Extended warm periods are accelerating rodent breeding cycles, making infestations harder to contain once established.

The players

Danny Hernandez

Owner of Dan's Pest Management, a family-owned pest management company serving Bakersfield and surrounding communities.

Dan's Pest Management Inc.

A Bakersfield pest control company.

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What they’re saying

“Rodent exposure is increasingly a public health issue in inland cities, not just a property concern. Activity once tied to coastal areas is now affecting Central Valley neighborhoods year-round.”

— Danny Hernandez, Owner, Dan's Pest Management

“Once rodents establish themselves inside walls or crawl spaces, the health risks and remediation costs increase significantly. Professional rats and mice pest control is becoming more preventive than reactive.”

— Danny Hernandez, Owner, Dan's Pest Management

What’s next

Public health experts caution that undetected infestations can lead to long-term exposure risks, including contaminated insulation, compromised ventilation systems, and reduced indoor air quality. As a result, many municipalities are seeing increased demand for professional pest control services that focus on prevention as well as removal.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the need for inland California communities to reassess their rodent monitoring, education, and prevention efforts as climate change and urban growth reshape the geographic distribution of these public health risks.