After more than a decade of being dubbed the “City with the Most Severe Rat Problem in America,” Chicago has lost its top spot this year to Los Angeles.
Headquartered in Atlanta, the American and International pest control company Orkin released its annual “Top 50 Rat-Infested Cities in America” list on October 28, naming the “City of Angels” as the leader, representing the highest reported rat activity in the city of Los Angeles.
The report pointed out that due to its warm climate year-round, dense population, and abundance of restaurants and food establishments, Los Angeles has become an ideal breeding ground for rats, as it blends the glamorous and rugged urban characteristics, providing an ideal environment for rat activity from bustling commercial areas to secluded alleys.
In Orkin’s list, New York City ranked third, followed by San Francisco and Hartford, Connecticut. Other cities in the top ten include Washington D.C., Detroit, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, and Denver.
Additionally, cities like San Diego and Sacramento in California made it to the top 50 list of rat-infested cities, along with Tampa, Miami, and Orlando in Florida, as well as Dallas and Houston in Texas.
Other noteworthy cities on the list include Boston, Seattle, Phoenix, New Orleans, and Reno, Nevada.
According to the report, like humans, rats are attracted to basic needs such as shelter, food, and water. They reproduce rapidly in mild climates, leading to a significant increase in their numbers during the summer. When temperatures drop, they seek warm shelter and food sources, often causing damage to residences and businesses.
Orkin entomologist Ian Williams stated in the report that rats are not only repulsive but also opportunists – as long as they have access to food, a warm environment, and entry points, they will find a way in. Once inside a building, their constant gnawing and rapid reproduction can turn small issues into major disasters.
The report highlighted that rats can chew through walls, wires, pipes, and even steel trash cans. Aside from potentially causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage, they can also spread serious diseases such as Salmonellosis, Plague, Typhus, and more.
According to a report by the California Almond Board in August of this year, severe roof rat infestations occurred in the southern and western regions of the San Joaquin Valley, where over 100,000 acres of farmland were damaged, resulting in economic losses ranging from $109 million to $311 million. Affected areas included nut crops, fruit trees, irrigation systems, and other infrastructure.
Orkin recommends that the public follow the “GNAW” principle to prevent rat infestations:
G (Guard): Seal all wall cracks and crevices to prevent rats from entering.
N (Never): Never leave food unattended outdoors.
A (Avoid): Avoid clutter and reduce nesting spaces.
W (Watch): Be vigilant for signs of gnawing, holes, or droppings.
The report also warns that rats only need a hole the size of a quarter to enter a building, while mice require even smaller spaces. Any leaks or standing water areas could attract them, and unsealed trash cans are a feast for them. Orkin advises regularly checking trash cans for holes or damages to prevent them from becoming a “buffet for rats.”