Rat City

     When asked which US city has the most rats you'd probably say New York is the country's rattiest city, but according to the pest control company Orkin you'd be wrong. 

     Orkin ranked the most mice-and-rat-infested cities based on the number of residential and commercial rat removal jobs they performed from September 2021 to August 2022. Of course, that does not measure the ACTUAL rat population, but at least it reveals the cities where folks are most concerned about the rat population.

     It's estimated that there are two millions rats roaming New York City's streets, sewers, subways and buildings...that's about one rat for every four humans in the city. Speaking only of the rats, many carry diseases that can cause serious problems for humans. Most scientists believe that while the situation can be controlled, it cannot be eliminated. 

     The COVID pandemic helped increase the rat population! According to Orkin the pandemic gave rise to outdoor dining facilities and that provided rats with a perfect place to dine, live and breed. Think about that next time you decide to eat on a restaurant or bar patio! 

     Here's the list for top honors for the rattiest cities in the US according to Orkin. Note: in Washington, D.C. politicians were not counted. 

 

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