Rodent Infestations and Indoor Environmental Concerns in California

Recently, the CBS affiliate in Los Angeles broadcasted a story about a rat infestation in a neighborhood in Van Nuys. In their report, people living in the neighborhood shared their health concerns about living with so many rodents.

These concerns are legitimate as the presence of large numbers of rodents can lead to both property damage and health concerns for homeowners and building occupants living or working in infested properties. In addition to gnawing through wood, insulation and many other materials, rodents are known for chewing on electrical wires. This could result in a dangerous and costly fire. Rodents will even gnaw through water and drain pipes which could result in flooding, water damage, mold growth and even sewage contamination.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that, “Rats and mice are known to spread over 35 diseases worldwide. These diseases can be spread to humans directly, through handling of rodents, contact with rodent feces, urine, or saliva, or through rodent bites. Diseases carried by rodents can also be spread to humans indirectly, through ticks, mites or fleas that have fed on an infected rodent.”

“Even if the rats are not infected and are incapable of spreading disease, their presence indoors can cause allergic reactions in many people,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “For some, exposure could even trigger an asthma attack in those with the condition. To help in these types of situations, at LA Testing we offer indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services to identify rat and mouse allergens. Testing can help to spot problems and provide building occupants who suffer from allergies and asthma the information they need to mitigate their exposure risks. Testing can also be instrumental for determining how thoroughly an indoor environment has been remediated following a rodent infestation.”

LA Testing has sponsored a video about rodent infestations, property damage and indoor environmental concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/0oiH1jj8ELU.

To learn more about this or other indoor environmental quality, property damage, occupational, health and safety testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access to IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail