Top 10 Rattiest Cities in America (2026 Update)
Anyone who’s ever spent time in a major city knows the frustration of living amongst rodents. They’re in the subways, they’re in the sewers, they’re in the alleyways and in the trash. They’re everywhere. But which U.S. cities are dealing with the worst of it?
Every year, pest control giants Orkin and Terminix release data on the number of rodent-related services they've completed, offering a reliable look at the rattiest cities in America. While the rankings vary between the two, one thing is clear: the biggest rodent problems tend to strike the country's largest urban centers.
We’ve averaged both lists to give you a comprehensive rundown of the top 10 rattiest cities in America, factoring in geographic consistency and national pest control data.
Why Are These the Rattiest Cities?
Several overlapping factors tend to drive rodent populations through the roof in these metro areas:
- Dense urban housing, which offers endless hiding spots and food sources
- Old infrastructure, including aging sewers, alleys, and utility lines
- Warmer winters, which reduce seasonal die-offs
- Trash management policies (or lack thereof), especially in areas like NYC
- Bans on certain rodenticides, such as California’s Poison-Free Wildlife Act
Together, these factors create the perfect storm for rats to thrive — and cities are struggling to keep up.
The Top 10 Rattiest Cities in America
1. Los Angeles
(Orkin: 1 | Terminix: 2)
In 2025, Los Angeles ended Chicago's decade-long run at the top of Orkin's list. Orkin points to year-round warm weather and dense neighborhoods with easy access to food and shelter. Some have also pointed to California's Poison-Free Wildlife Act, which restricted most rat poisons statewide, as a possible accelerant.
2. New York City
(Orkin: 3 | Terminix: 1)
Pizza Rat … need we say more?
A recent study claims that there are now over 3 million rats in NYC — a 50 percent increase since 2010. The problem has grown so large that in 2023, the city appointed its first “Rat Czar” to combat the issue full-time.
There are signs it is working: after the city required smaller residential buildings to use sealed trash bins in late 2024, 311 rat sightings fell 20.6% over the following twelve months, according to the Department of Sanitation.
3. Chicago
(Orkin: 2 | Terminix: 6)
Chicago held the No. 1 spot on Orkin's list for ten straight years before Los Angeles knocked it to second in 2025. The Windy City is hardly in the clear: it logged roughly 44,000 rodent complaints in 2025, and a July 2026 city audit found its abatement program is "unlikely to achieve long-term control of the rat population."
4. San Francisco
(Orkin: 4 | Terminix: 4)
In recent years, San Francisco has seen its rodent population balloon. According to a study by Science Advances, the city has experienced a 10% increase in rats over the last 12 years — largely due to rising urban temperatures.
5. Philadelphia
(Orkin: 8 | Terminix: 3)
According to Pest Control Technology, nearly 30% of households in Philadelphia County reported rodent problems in 2024 — the highest household rate in the U.S.
6. Washington D.C.
(Orkin: 6 | Terminix: 7)
By most accounts, Washington D.C.’s rodent problem is bad — and getting worse. A 2024 study by RentHop found that the nation’s capital had the highest number of rat complaints per 10,000 residents.
7. Hartford
(Orkin: 5 | Terminix: 11)
The newcomer on this year's list. Hartford jumped eight spots to No. 5 on Orkin's 2025 rankings, its first time in the top five, after climbing steadily from No. 27 in 2020. By Orkin's count it is now the rattiest city in New England, ahead of Boston.
8. Detroit
(Orkin: 7 | Terminix: 10)
Detroit moved up again to No. 7 on Orkin's 2025 list and sits at No. 10 for Terminix, one of the most consistent top-10 showings on either list.
9. Boston
(Orkin: 13 | Terminix: 8)
Boston remains one of the most rodent-infested cities in America. In 2024, city officials implemented a rat control action plan for every neighborhood.
10. Dallas
(Orkin: 15 | Terminix: 9)
Dallas climbed seven spots on Orkin's list and lands at No. 9 for Terminix, enough to edge out Baltimore and Denver for the final spot. Local pest control operators point to construction and demolition in older neighborhoods pushing rats into nearby homes, and say calls climb every winter.
(Just missed the cut: Baltimore (Orkin: 12 | Terminix: 13) and Denver (Orkin: 10 | Terminix: 21), both top-10 regulars in past years.)
What Cities Are Doing to Fight Back
Here are just a few examples of how major cities are attempting to rein in their rat populations:
- New York City: Hired a full-time “Rat Czar” and required sealed trash bins for most residential buildings, which the city credits with a 20% drop in rat sightings
- Baltimore: Testing non-poison contraceptive treatments to slow population growth
- San Francisco: Increased investment in waste management and public sanitation
- Chicago: Offers free rat baiting services to residents and businesses upon request
- Boston: Created a multi-neighborhood rodent response plan and public education campaign
Why You Should Be Worried About Rodents
Rodents are more than a nuisance — they can spread dangerous, even deadly, diseases through their droppings and other waste. It’s extremely important to take safety precautions, including wearing gloves and a mask, when disposing of rodent debris.
Vehicle owners — especially those who store their cars, vans, or RVs for extended periods — are also at risk for costly damage. It’s estimated that in the U.S. alone, mice and rats cause over $200 million in vehicle repairs each year.
Signs of a Rodent Infestation
- Droppings: Small, dark pellets near baseboards or storage areas
- Gnaw marks: Chewed cardboard, wiring, or furniture
- Unusual odors: Sharp, ammonia-like scent from rodent urine
- Food caches: Seeds, crumbs, or pet food stashed in hidden corners
How to Protect Your Property from Rats and Mice
At Home
- Seal entry points: Use steel wool and caulk to block cracks around vents, windows, and utility lines
- Secure food and trash: Use sealed bins and airtight storage containers
- Declutter indoor/outdoor spaces: Piles of clothes, paper, or yard debris provide nesting spots
In Your Vehicle or RV
- Inspect regularly: Especially if the vehicle is in storage or unused
- Avoid leaving food: Even crumbs can attract rodents
-
Block access, don't just repel: Scent deterrents like peppermint oil fade within days. A physical barrier like the Box-Kat mouse barrier keeps mice from reaching the vehicle in the first place.
