Knoxville and Nashville Rank Among Rattiest U.S. Cities
The latest annual report from Orkin lists two major Tennessee cities among the top 50 metropolitan areas for rodent activity.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Home Cleaning
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Knoxville and Nashville have secured spots on Orkin's 2026 Rattiest Cities List, with Nashville rising significantly in the rankings. This is the first year Knoxville has appeared in the top 50.
Why it matters
The ranking highlights increased residential rodent activity, which often intensifies as seasonal temperatures begin to cool. Rodents commonly seek shelter in homes during the winter months to avoid harsher weather.
Orkin compiled its 2026 list based on new residential rodent treatment data collected between August 9, 2025, and August 9, 2026. Nashville moved up 10 spots compared to its 2025 ranking.
The players
Orkin
Orkin is a national pest control company that publishes an annual ranking of U.S. cities based on its own service data.
Knoxville
Knoxville is a city in Tennessee that appeared on the top 50 list for the first time.
Nashville
Nashville is a city in Tennessee that rose to 30th place in the 2026 rankings.
The details
Nashville placed 30th on the annual index, continuing a trend of variation that saw the city at ranks of 36, 35, 29, and 36 between 2021 and 2025. Knoxville joined the list for the first time this year, appearing at number 45.
Timeline
August 9, 2025 - August 9, 2026: The collection period for residential rodent treatment data.
October 13, 2026: Orkin released the 2026 Rattiest Cities List.
Culture Shift
The 2026 Rattiest Cities List provides a benchmark for tracking urban pest migration, mirroring patterns observed in previous annual reports. These rankings reflect the ongoing challenge of managing urban wildlife as cities continue to expand and influence local ecosystems.
Residents should anticipate increased rodent activity as temperatures drop and pests seek indoor shelter. Homeowners may need to conduct preventative maintenance to secure potential entry points and minimize the appeal of their properties to rodents.
The takeaway
Maintaining a clean exterior and sealing small gaps in foundations can help prevent rodent infestations during the winter months. Property owners should consider inspecting their homes now to ensure that they are properly secured against seasonal pests.
Further reading
For more information on managing your home environment, visit our Home Cleaning section.
Live Poll
Is the prevalence of rats in your city becoming a significant issue for your community?
