New Report Ranks Top Ten US Cities Most at Risk for Rodent Invasion This Winter

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20091027005777/en

As Leading Experts Predict Historic High Levels of Rodent Activity, d-CON Offers
Important Advice and Resources for Homeowners
PARSIPPANY, N.J.--(Business Wire)--
This winter, experts predict that risk factors for rodent activity are at an all
time high. In the 2009 Rodent Risk Report released today, d-CON, America`s
number one selling brand of rodent control products, has named the Top 20 Cities
in the country most likely to be hit by rodent infestation. In the 2009 d-CON
Rodent Risk Report, experts Dale Kaukeinen and Dr. Bruce Colvin reveal how
climate changes and recent economic factors have had a major impact on the
rising risk levels and threat of increased rodent activities in major cities and
into homes.

To determine the results, Kaukeinen and Colvin used U.S. Census Bureau data in
combination with a host of key factors, including city revenue spent on
infrastructure maintenance, climatic factors which affect rodent populations
along with records of pest control sales. Kaukeinen and Colvin also included new
U.S. Bureau of Labor data on municipal rates of unemployment and foreclosure
filings to revise their assessment from their 2007 report.

Top Ten Cities Most at Risk for Rodent Infestation

2009 City Rankings 2007 City Rankings

1. New York 1. New York
2. Atlanta 2. Houston
3. Houston 3. Boston
4. Louisville 4. Louisville
5. Philadelphia 5. Philadelphia
6. Chicago 6. Baltimore
7. Boston 7. Washington, D.C.
8. San Antonio 8. Chicago
9. Milwaukee 9. El Paso
10. Detroit 10. Milwaukee

According to the study, New York City topped the list both in 2009 and 2007, due
to its size, population density and aging infrastructure. Population density
also contributed to Boston and Chicago being among the Top Ten. Warm, wet
weather was a factor for cities such as Houston because of the associated lush
vegetation, deterioration of structures and heavy sewer flows. Lower than
average city revenue or spending on critical infrastructure factors also
propelled some cities to higher positions and scores indicating greater risk.

Atlanta joins the 2009 Top Ten in the number 2 position. "Atlanta`s high ranking
in this latest evaluation stems from greater urban areas of poverty, a very high
foreclosure rate - nearly five times the national survey average - and a much
lower city spend on structures and highways," explained Dr. Colvin.

Keeping Critters at Bay for Homeowners

As cited in the 2009 Rodent Risk Report, commissioned by d-CON, some of the key
factors leading to a high risk of an increased rodent infestation, such as
weather, are out of homeowners` control. However, there are many simple steps
consumers can take in their homes now to keep unwanted guests from visiting this
season:

1
When winterizing the home, don’t forget to check for possible entry
points for unwanted furry pests who are looking for places to escape
the cold. Rodents can gnaw through metal, plastic and wood, damaging
furniture and homes and destroying electrical wiring and insulation,
which can cause fires and other problems. It’s important to keep mice
and rats out of homes because they can bite people, especially small
children. They are also known carriers of a variety of diseases,
including food poisoning and salmonella.
2
“When preparing your home for winter, the first step is to stock up on
baits and traps, like d-CON® Ready Mixed Baitbits and Quick Kill™ Glue
Traps,” advised Kaukeinen. “Baits and traps are universal items that
are easy to find at your local hardware or grocery store. Avoid
electronic and ultrasonic rodent repellent devices currently on the
market, which recent studies have shown to be ineffective.”
3
Clear the brush around the house and trim back any overgrown hedges
and plants. Walk around the perimeter of your home and check for any
open spaces, ducts, or other small openings where a rodent could fit
in. Since rodents can squeeze into a crack the size of a dime, it’s
important to conduct a thorough search. Fill any cracks in your home’s
foundation with steel wool or plaster to seal up the space and prevent
rodents from entering the house.
4
If you have fruit trees, make sure to pick up any fallen fruit such
apples or peaches. If left out for any period of time, fruits are a
natural draw for rodents.
5
In the home’s interior, begin assessing the different rooms of the
house, particularly the basement, attic and kitchen. Organize an
attached garage, attic and basement and get rid of any old newspaper
bundles or old boxes, which can create perfect nesting areas for
rodents. In the kitchen, clean countertops of crumbs and dirty dishes,
and wash dishes after use. Store opened food in airtight plastic
containers. In addition, make sure not to leave pet food out
overnight; exposed food, even animal treats, are a draw for rodents.
6
Don’t wait until the holidays are here – putting preventive measures
into place now, such as cleaning inside and outside your home and
setting out traps, such as d-CON® No View, No Touch™, in high traffic
or more hidden away areas where rodents tend to live, will help you
keep rodents at bay during the winter season and beyond. There are
many online resources that can help you organize, plan and protect
your home from rodents. One to visit: www.d-conproducts.com.

The full 2009 d-CON Rodent Risk Report is available by visiting
www.rodentriskreport.com. For more information on d-CON® brand products and
helpful videos about how to prevent rodents in your home, homeowners can visit
www.d-conproducts.com.

About the 2009 d-CON Rodent Risk Report

The 2009 d-CON Rodent Risk Report was developed by using the latest U.S. Census
Bureau statistics to reveal 14 risk factors related to cities and their
environments. These factors included everything from human population, climate,
and solid waste management to annual rainfall - common causes of rodent
infestation. The 2009 d-CON Rodent Risk Report also highlights the cities at
greatest risk of having increased rodent problems this fall including, New York,
NY; Atlanta, Ga.; Houston, Texas; Louisville, Ky.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Chicago,
Ill.; Boston, Mass.; San Antonio, Texas; Milwaukee, Wis. and Detroit, Mich. The
authors of the report, Kaukeinen and Colvin, have been involved in the research
and development of many of today`s most innovative pest control products,
strategies and programs.

About d-CON

d-CON is America`s #1 rodent control brand (based on AC Nielsen unit share
data), successfully killing rodents for more than 60 years. The brand`s iconic
yellow box, arrow logo, and wedge-shaped containers have served for years as a
visual guidepost for consumer choice. The brand offers a comprehensive line of
rodent control products including eleven baits and six traps. d-CON products are
sold in a variety of retail environments including home centers, mass
merchandisers, home improvement and hardware stores, drug stores and
supermarkets. To learn more about d-CON, visit www.d-conproducts.com.

About Reckitt Benckiser

Reckitt Benckiser Inc. is a subsidiary of U.K.-based Reckitt Benckiser plc, the
world leader in householdcleaning (excluding laundry) and a major player in
health and personal care. Reckitt Benckiser Inc. manufactures, markets and sells
household, cleaning and specialty food products in North America. These products
include Lysol(R) cleaners and disinfectants, Air Wick(R) air fresheners,
Resolve(R) cleaners, Finish(R) automatic dishwasher detergent, Veet(R)
depilatory, Jet-Dry(R) rinse agent, Spray 'n Wash(R) laundry stain removers, and
French's(R) foods, including Mustard and GourMayo(TM).

With more than 20,000 employees, operations in 60 countries and sales in 180
countries, as well as global sales of more than $5 billion, Reckitt Benckiser is
among the top 30 companies in the FTSE 100 index, is a constituent of the MSCI
Global Index and S&P Global 350, and is in the Forbes International 500 and
Business Week European Top 50. For additional information about Reckitt
Benckiser, visit www.reckittbenckiser.com.

For d-CON
Meredith Krumenacker, 617-536-3300
mkrumenacker@schneiderpr.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009