San Francisco Ranked Fourth for Rodent Infestation
A new report identifies San Francisco as the fourth most rodent-infested city in the United States.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Home Cleaning
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Terminix has ranked San Francisco as the fourth most rodent-infested city in its latest annual report. The ranking highlights the prevalence of rodent control service calls compared to other major metropolitan areas across the country.
Why it matters
Understanding regional rodent infestation trends helps residents and city officials address the environmental factors that encourage pest populations. Factors such as food waste, available shelter, and dense human populations contribute to these rankings.
Terminix analyzed data from 300 of its branches nationwide to determine the rankings. The report includes 50 cities, with Sacramento, Palm Springs, Fresno, and San Diego also appearing on the list.
The players
Terminix
Terminix is a professional pest control company that provides services for residential and commercial properties.
The details
The rankings are derived from the frequency of rodent control service calls reported by company branches throughout 2025. New York City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia were the only cities to record higher rates of activity than San Francisco.
Timeline
Terminix compiled its rodent service call data throughout 2024.
The data was tracked across the United States throughout 2025.
The annual report on rodent infestations was released in October 2026.
Culture Shift
The annual report captures a persistent urban challenge that reflects broader trends in waste management and population density. As cities grow, the battle between residents and rodent populations continues to be a standard metric for measuring urban health and sanitation.
This ranking may prompt homeowners and businesses to increase their vigilance regarding food waste management and property sealing. Residents might consider scheduling preventative maintenance or professional inspections to reduce the risk of rodent activity in their homes.
The takeaway
Maintaining a clean home by properly sealing points of entry and disposing of trash securely can significantly reduce the likelihood of pest issues. Proactive attention to sanitation remains the most effective deterrent against rodent infestations.
Further reading
For tips on keeping your property pest-free, visit the Home Cleaning section.
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