Chicago Ranks Second Among Rattiest US Cities
The annual Orkin report highlights national rodent trends based on new residential treatment orders.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Home Cleaning
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Chicago holds the number two spot on the latest list of the rattiest cities in the United States. Los Angeles maintains the top position for residential rodent activity.
Why it matters
Large metropolitan areas remain primary targets for infestations because they provide rats with consistent and ample food sources. These annual rankings help track where residential demand for pest control is highest.
The national list tracks new residential rodent treatments ordered between August 2025 and August 2026. Cleveland rose four spots to number seven, while Houston saw a significant increase by moving up nine spots.
The players
Orkin
Orkin is a prominent pest control company that provides services for residential and commercial clients across the United States.
The details
The rankings are compiled annually by Orkin to illustrate geographical trends in pest management. Major cities like San Francisco and Washington D.C. also appear in the top five, reflecting broad challenges in urban rodent control.
Timeline
August 2025 to August 2026 was the period tracked for new residential rodent treatments.
October 2026 was when Orkin released the new ranking list.
Culture Shift
This data reflects long-term urban population trends where high-density environments continue to struggle with pest management infrastructure. As cities evolve, the recurring rankings illustrate a persistent struggle to maintain sanitation standards against natural rodent migration.
Residents in high-ranking cities may see increased demand for professional pest services or community sanitation initiatives. Property owners are encouraged to secure potential food sources and seal entry points to mitigate the risk of infestation.
The takeaway
Maintaining a clean environment and properly disposing of food waste are essential steps for homeowners to discourage rodent activity. Proactive home maintenance remains the most effective defense against seasonal increases in pest pressure.
Further reading
For more information on managing your living space, visit our Home Cleaning guide.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Chicago.
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