By Franklin Delgado
In April 2026, Los Angeles County recorded 67 restaurant and business closures due to pest infestation citations, affecting iconic locations in areas such as West Hollywood and Thai Town. This alarming increase has sparked concerns about public health and food security in the region.
The county Department of Public Health has issued more than 120 pest citations so far this year. Inspections revealed problems with rat, cockroach and fly infestations at well-known establishments such as Dan Tana’s and Jitlada. The intervention of pest control services has become mandatory to reopen affected premises.
Markets and school cafeterias have also been affected, causing an impact on family businesses and fine dining destinations, according to official records reviewed by Los Angeles Instances.
Cause of increased infestations
Factors such as mild winters and high population density have contributed to the proliferation of pests, with a 34% increase in requests for pest control services in Los Angeles, according to Negate data. San Francisco remains in second place in this worrying rating.
Some venues have taken proactive measures to address the closures. Meymuni Café, a Persian restaurant, announced a complete renovation and restart following its closure, while other venues, such as Jitlada, have implemented additional measures to ensure the health and safety of their customers. Regulations require collaboration with professionals specialized in pest control in order to reopen.
Health Hazards from Pest Infestation
Infestation by pests and rodents causes multiple risks to human health: transmission of infectious diseases, contamination of food and water, allergic reactions, and psychological and material problems derived from damage to homes and facilities.
Main diseases and how they are transmitted:
- Leptospirosis: It is transmitted by rodent urine that contaminates water or food; It can cause fever, muscle pain, and liver or kidney failure in severe cases.
- Hantavirus: Severe respiratory infection acquired by inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent feces, urine or saliva; can be deadly.
- Salmonellosis and other food poisoning: Rodents contaminate food and surfaces with feces and urine, causing diarrhea, fever and belly pain.
- Bubonic plague and typhus (from fleas/ectoparasites): Although rare in many places, fleas that live on rodents can transmit severe diseases.
- Other zoonoses (rabies in cases of bites, infections from bites, sodoku/rat bite fever): Direct risk from bite or contact.
Environmental contamination, allergens and routes of exposure:
- Food and water contamination: Rodents introduce bacteria and viruses directly into the food chain through feces, urine and saliva.
- Inhalation of dried particles: Dried feces and urine can aerosolize and be inhaled, facilitating infection (e.g. hantavirus).
- Parasites and vectors: Fleas, ticks and mites that accompany rodents transmit pathogens to humans and pets.
- Allergies and asthma: Antigens in urine and excrement trigger allergic reactions and worsening of asthma, especially in children and the elderly.
Indirect impact on physical and mental health:
- Domestic and electrical damage: Rodents gnaw on cables and pipes, causing fire risks and service interruptions that affect public health.
- Stress and anguish: The persistent presence of pests generates anxiety, sleep problems and a feeling of insecurity in the population.
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