Sacramento Ranks Among Most Rodent-Infested Cities
The city now holds the 15th spot on a national list tracking residential demand for rodent control services.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Home Cleaning
Live Poll
Is rodent activity becoming a bigger problem in your community than it was a year ago?
Sacramento has been identified as the 15th city for rodent activity in a new national ranking of 50 U.S. cities. This marks a shift from 2024, when the city held the 20th position for rat infestations.
Why it matters
High human population density paired with readily available food sources and shelter in urban environments creates ideal conditions for rodent populations. These pests pose significant public health risks as potential carriers of disease.
Sacramento currently sits at number 15 on the list of 50 cities, an increase in activity from its number 20 ranking in 2024. The data was compiled by Terminix using service requests from over 300 branches nationwide.
The players
Terminix
Terminix is a nationwide pest control company that provides residential and commercial rodent and insect management services.
The details
Residents are advised to look for common indicators of rodent presence, such as droppings, gnaw marks, scratching sounds in walls, and dark rub marks along baseboards. These signs often trigger the increased use of professional rodent control services that form the basis of this ranking.
Timeline
Sacramento ranked number 20 for rat-infested cities in 2024.
Data on rodent control service usage was collected over the past year.
Culture Shift
The rise in Sacramento infestation rankings mirrors a broader societal shift where urban sprawl increasingly encroaches upon natural habitats. This trend reflects the ongoing challenge of managing hygiene and structural integrity in dense, developing metropolitan areas.
The ranking suggests that homeowners should remain vigilant about sealing potential entry points around their properties to prevent pests from seeking shelter. Residents may need to prioritize routine home maintenance and food storage hygiene to mitigate these risks.
The takeaway
Maintaining clear spaces around home foundations and properly sealing gaps can significantly reduce the attractiveness of a property to rodents. Proactive identification of droppings or gnaw marks can help residents address issues before an infestation takes hold.
Further reading
For tips on maintaining a pest-free household, visit the Sacramento Home Cleaning section.
Live Poll
Is rodent activity becoming a bigger problem in your community than it was a year ago?
