A Surge in Rodent Activity Sparks Concern Across the US
Travelers in the United States are now being warned about an unusual and growing threat: a surge in rodent populations that has raised concerns over the potential spread of the plague. This phenomenon is not limited to one region, but has been particularly noticeable in areas like Lake Tahoe, where millions of visitors flock each year.
Lake Tahoe, known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, has seen a dramatic increase in rodent numbers this year. This has led to widespread concern among locals and tourists alike. The rodents, which can carry the plague bacteria (Yersinia pestis), pose a risk to humans through flea bites or direct contact with infected animals. This has prompted health officials and local businesses to issue warnings and take preventive measures.
Eric Brooks, a writer who recently visited Lake Tahoe with his family, shared his experience of receiving an email from Agate Bay Realty Lake Tahoe warning about a “surge in mouse activity” in the area. The message indicated that hardware stores had run out of traps, highlighting the severity of the situation. According to Brett Williams, a broker and owner at Agate, pest controllers have described this as the “year of the mouse,” citing the unprecedented number of rodents.
From 2021 to 2025, a total of 45 rodents tested positive for the plague in the Tahoe Basin area within El Dorado County. One visitor who was camping in the area this summer contracted the disease but recovered after receiving medical care. This case underscores the ongoing risk and the importance of vigilance.
A Growing Problem in Hardware Stores
The surge in rodent activity has also impacted local businesses. Brooks reported visiting several hardware stores around Lake Tahoe, where staff members confirmed the same trend: booming sales of rodent traps and poison. At North Shore Ace Hardware in Kings Beach, assistant manager Maurice Jacques noted that locals haven’t seen anything like it in 15 to 20 years. He explained that the store has increased its orders on mouse traps and other related products, with supplies often running out by the weekend.
Sergio Arias of Tahoe Pest Management, who has been dealing with the rodent problem since March, said this year has been “out of this world crazy busy.” He mentioned that he now receives up to 60 calls a week and visits eight to 15 homes daily to address infestations. In one instance, he pulled 70 rats out of a single house, while another call involved removing around 150 rats from a vacant home. The rodents are causing significant damage, chewing through siding and wood to access walls.
Recent Cases of Plague in the US
This outbreak comes amid recent cases of the plague across the country. In August, a person from Lake Tahoe tested positive for the Black Death after being bitten by an infected flea while camping. California health officials confirmed the individual was recovering under medical care. This marked the first confirmed case of the plague in El Dorado County since 2020.
Prior to this, the last known case in California was in 2015. Nationally, the plague remains rare, with an average of seven cases reported each year. However, the disease still poses a serious threat when left untreated, with a mortality rate of 30 to 60 percent. If it spreads to the lungs or bloodstream, it becomes nearly 100 percent deadly.
Plague symptoms typically appear within one to eight days and include fever, chills, and severe fatigue. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin or armpits are common, and if left untreated, the infection can lead to life-threatening complications.
Preventive Measures and Public Awareness
Health officials urge caution in high-risk areas, recommending that individuals wear long pants tucked into boots and use bug repellent containing DEET. They also advise against feeding or touching wild rodents and avoiding camping near animal burrows or dead animals.
While modern antibiotics and hygiene have significantly reduced deaths from the plague, the disease remains endemic in wildlife. Cases continue to be reported in regions like the Four Corners area, where rodents and fleas thrive.
As the rodent population surges, the risk of plague transmission increases, prompting renewed attention to public health and safety. With more cases reported in recent years, the question remains: how prepared are we for the resurgence of a disease once thought to be a relic of the past?
