Orkin has published its 2026 ranking of the U.S. cities with the highest levels of rodent activity. Find out whether your city appears on the list.
WASHINGTON — Los Angeles has held on to the top spot in Orkin’s 2026 ranking of the “rattiest” cities in the United States, remaining No. 1 for the second consecutive year.
The Atlanta-based pest control company said in a news release that it compiled the ranking by tracking new residential treatments for rats and mice between Aug. 9, 2025, and Aug. 9, 2026. The data provides a snapshot of the cities reporting the most rodent treatment activity.
Los Angeles was followed by Chicago, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., which rounded out the top five.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, made the largest upward move, rising 12 places to No. 31. Hartford, Connecticut, recorded the steepest drop, sliding 12 spots to No. 17.
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“There’s no single type of city or climate that’s immune to rodent pressure,” Dr. Shannon Sked, Orkin’s national technical director, said in the release. “Rats and mice are highly adaptable and can thrive in communities across the country wherever they can find food, water and shelter. That’s why prevention and early detection are important for homeowners, regardless of where they live.”
Orkin’s top “rattiest” cities for 2026
When rodents are left unchecked in homes and other buildings, rats and mice can damage structures and spread disease. Because their populations can grow quickly, a minor issue can escalate into a serious infestation.
Homeowners can lower the risk of an infestation by inspecting the outside of their property for small openings and sealing them promptly. Fixing leaks can remove potential water sources, while properly maintaining trash containers and replacing damaged ones can help limit access to food.
