Rodent control in urban communities in Johannesburg, South Africa: From research to action

Introduction: Rodents are troublesome urban pests, with potentially serious health implications. Preventive efforts require greater understanding of social contexts in which they are prevalent. This study aimed to determine rodent prevalence and identify factors associated with rodent infestations in urban residential settings. Methods: The Health, Environment and Development study is a longitudinal panel study conducted in five settlements across Johannesburg. Data on socio-economic status, domestic behaviour and housing quality are collected annually. Logistic regression revealed risk factors for rodent prevalence at household level. Results: Rodents are a major household problem in all study areas (prevalence 54%). Factors associated with increased prevalence of rats included lower income, living in informal areas, overcrowding, cracks in dwelling walls and internal damp. Conclusion: Socio-economic status, housing quality, domestic behaviour and environmental health services are associated with exposure to rodents in urban Johannesburg communities. This information served as a platform to launch rodent awareness campaigns at study sites.