Urban Infrastructure Creates Perfect Haven for Rodents, Experts Say
Chicago has maintained its unenviable position as America’s “rattiest city” for the tenth straight year, according to pest control giant Orkin’s annual rankings. The designation, based on residential pest management service requests, highlights the Windy City’s persistent challenge with rodent control.
Infrastructure: A rat’s paradise
The city’s extensive network of alleys and underground infrastructure creates an ideal environment for rodent populations, according to Orkin’s official press release.
“Rodents can cause a lot of structural damage to property owners,” warns John Kane, Orkin National Accounts Entomologist & Quality Manager. “They can get in around piping and even chew through walls. These tiny culprits tend to chew through wiring, which poses an increased risk of fires.”
Prevention strategies
Orkin recommends several preventive measures:
- Sealing potential entry points
- Eliminating food sources
- Addressing water leaks
- Setting appropriate traps
- Seeking professional help when needed
America’s 50 rattiest cities: Full rankings
- Chicago, Illinois
- Los Angeles, California
- New York, New York
- San Francisco, California
- Washington, D.C.
- Denver, Colorado
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Detroit, Michigan
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Hartford, Connecticut
- Seattle, Washington
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Columbus, Ohio
- San Diego, California
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Sacramento, California
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Dallas, Texas
- Miami, Florida
- Norfolk, Virginia
- Houston, Texas
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Albany, New York
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Greenville, South Carolina
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Tampa, Florida
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Richmond, Virginia
- Portland, Oregon
- Orlando, Florida
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Buffalo, New York
- Flint, Michigan
- Rochester, New York
- Champaign, Illinois
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Burlington, Vermont
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Syracuse, New York
- Charleston, West Virginia
- Greensboro, South Carolina
Regional patterns
The rankings reveal interesting geographic patterns, with major coastal cities dominating the top spots. However, the presence of inland cities like Denver (6th) and Indianapolis (15th) suggests that rodent challenges aren’t limited to any single region.
Expert recommendations
Experts emphasize that residents in all listed cities should remain vigilant for signs of rodent infestation, including:
- Droppings near food sources
- Scratching or scurrying sounds
- Gnaw marks on furniture and wires
- Rub marks along entry points
- Visible burrows
The comprehensive nature of this list underscores that urban rodent control remains a significant challenge across the United States, requiring ongoing attention and resources from both residents and city authorities.
