According to Joan Clayburgh of Californians for Pesticide Reform, nontoxic pest-control options are often overlooked.

CNN: Children face danger in the schoolyard grass from pesticides

Kemery recommended that parents try other pest-control tactics before resorting to pesticide use in the home or garden.

CNN: Study: ADHD linked to pesticide exposure

For example, in every state, you need a license to be a barber, a hearing-aid fitter or a pest-control worker.

FORBES: Worker's Permit

Even many pest-control experts haven't seen live rats.

WSJ: In Alberta, Citizens Smell a Rat After Long-Banned Rodents Appear

Private companies are often the choice for domestic pest problems, but Simon Forrester of the British Pest Control Association said even competitively-priced private firms are sometimes beyond the reach of the most vulnerable.

BBC: Could council budget cuts lead to a rise in vermin?

The firm, known for its pest control business, has suffered in recent years - losing both its chairman and chief executive in 2004 following poor results and a profit warning.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Rentokil rebuffs Robinson's plans

Pest control officers say they are being rushed off their feet - wiping them out.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Northern Ireland | Wasps prompt call out rise