This City Has the Worst Rat Problem in the U.S.-and No, It's Not New York

"new rodent services in owner-occupied residences from August 20, 2024, to August 21, 2025."

"Rats and mice are more than a nuisance-they're opportunists,"

"If there's food, warmth, and a way in, they'll find it. And once inside, their constant chewing and rapid reproduction can quickly turn a small issue into a large, expensive one."

"continues to battle high levels of rodent activity across its dense urban landscape."

Orkin tracked new rodent services in owner-occupied residences from August 20, 2024, to August 21, 2025, to rank U.S. cities by rodent activity. Los Angeles claimed the top spot as America's Rattiest City, ending Chicago's decade-long hold; Chicago moved to No. 2 but still experiences high urban rodent activity. Four California cities placed in the top 50: Los Angeles (1), San Francisco (4), Sacramento (19), and San Diego (24). An Orkin entomologist warned that rats exploit food, warmth, and entry points and that chewing and rapid reproduction can cause costly structural damage. Rodents are common wherever food and infrastructure coexist.

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