The Most Rat-Infested Cities in America

With recent reports that rat sightings are up 71% in New York City since 2020, and infamous videos like the subway pizza rat still circulating, you’d think the Big Apple would easily take the prize as America’s most rat-infested city. But in Orkin’s annual survey of rattiest cities, New York only checks in at number two. Chicago took the top (or bottom) prize for the eighth consecutive year.

Los Angeles came in third, followed by Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit and Denver among the top 10. Hartford, Connecticut, and Miami entered the top 20 this year. Orkin ranked metro regions by the number of new residential and commercial rodent treatments performed from Sept. 1, 2021, to Aug. 31, 2022.

Orkin’s list suggests there’s no corner of the U.S. free from rodent problems. Each fall, as the weather turns cold, mice and rats invade an estimated 21 million homes.

Still, it’s important to keep the rat problem in perspective. There’s a century-old myth that as many rats as people live in major cities. That’s not accurate; more recent studies have shown New York City has about two million rats in a city of eight million people. But even one rat or a handful of mice can be a major problem for homeowners.

“Rodent infestations are among the top pest issues of the fall and winter seasons,” said Ben Hottel, an Orkin entomologist. “Not only are mice and rats a nuisance, but they are known to spread a variety of dangerous diseases, including salmonella and hantavirus.”

There is some debate over whether rats or mice cause more structural damage to your home by their gnawing and burrowing. But neither is a good thing. Plus, if you are looking to avoid rats and cities that may feel overcrowded, these are the best cities for minimalist living.

How Do I Get Rid of Rats and Mice in My Home?

Orkin says the most important thing is to be proactive. Try to spot an infestation early. Look for droppings in cabinets and pantries, under sinks, inside cardboard boxes, along baseboards and in your yard. Keep an eye out for gnaw marks on walls and wires, nests in dark corners of the basement or attic, and strange scurrying noises inside the walls.

By being proactive, you can hopefully avoid buying rat traps. If you do see signs of a major infestation, call a professional exterminator.

How Can I Keep Rats and Mice Out of My Home?

Rodents love small crumbs and garbage, so be sure to keep surfaces clean and store all food in sealed metal, glass or plastic containers. Declutter cardboard and paper products rats and mice could chew on and nest in.

Maintain your landscaping by cutting the grass and trimming tree branches away from the home. Seal any holes and cracks in your exterior walls and foundation that could be an entry point for critters.

Top 50 Rattiest Cities in America

1. Chicago
2. New York
3. Los Angeles
4. Washington, D.C.
5. San Francisco
6. Philadelphia
7. Baltimore
8. Cleveland
9. Detroit
10. Denver
11. Seattle
12. Minneapolis
13. Boston
14. Atlanta
15. Indianapolis
16. Pittsburgh
17. Cincinnati
18. San Diego
19. Hartford, Connecticut
20. Miami
21. Milwaukee
22. Houston
23. Dallas
24. Portland, Oregon
25. Columbus, Ohio
26. Richmond, Virginia
27. Kansas City, Missouri
28. Norfolk, Virginia
29. Nashville, Tennessee
30. St. Louis
31. Grand Rapids, Michigan
32. Raleigh, North Carolina
33. Champaign, Illinois
34. Albany, New York
35. Louisville, Kentucky
36. Sacramento, California
37. New Orleans
38. Charlotte, North Carolina
39. Buffalo, New York
40. Flint, Michigan
41. Greenville, South Carolina
42. Syracuse, New York
43. Tampa, Florida
44. South Bend, Indiana
45. Portland, Maine
46. Phoenix
47. Charleston, South Carolina
48. Ft. Wayne, Indiana
49. Orlando, Florida
50. Burlington, Vermont