Rats are the rodents that everyone loves to hate. They’re everywhere, and no matter how hard we try, we can’t seem to get rid of them. Their exponential breeding abilities contribute to their problem. A single female rat can give birth to 6 to 12 babies at once.
Experts estimate that a breeding pair of rats can produce 15,000 offspring in a single year! So it’s no surprise that these rodents spread quickly and take over a neighborhood.
Unfortunately, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rats have been implicated as carriers of over 35 different diseases, ranging from typhus to the bubonic plague.
Given their reputation as filthy and deadly creatures, it’s no wonder that everyone wants them gone. But despite our best efforts, it seems like these pesky critters are here to stay.
So without further ado, here are the top five most rat-infested cities in the United States.
Most rat-infested cities in the USA
5. San Francisco
San Francisco may be known for its beautiful views and eclectic culture, but it also has another dubious distinction: it is the fifth most rat-infested city in the United States. And there’s no mystery as to why this is the case. The main culprit is an open waste.
According to a report by Reform California, the rise in rodent populations in this large city is also linked to the prohibition of certain rodent control methods in some areas.
Rats enter homes via broken underground pipes, drains, toilets, and other unusual entry points. Once they’re inside, they quickly start to breed and multiply. Exterminators are in such high demand that many have a waiting list! And for those who don’t want to wait, there are DIY solutions available – but they often come with a hefty price tag.
So what’s the solution? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. But until something is done to get the rat problem under control, San Francisco residents will just have to keep their eyes open – and their trash cans closed.
4. Washington DC
Washington, D.C. is no stranger to rats. In fact, the city has been ranked as the fourth most rat-infested city in the United States for the past two years. The problem is only getting worse, despite serious efforts to contain it. So what’s the cause of this rat renaissance?
For one, Washington D.C.’s dense population provides a ready source of food for rats. The city’s many bars and restaurants create a lot of food waste, which is a major attractant for these animals. Additionally, insufficient trash disposal practices make it easy for rats to find food. They also provide shelter and hiding places for these rodents.
The situation is made worse by the fact that rats are very good at reproducing. A single female rat can give birth to up to 12 offspring per year, and their litter sizes can range from 6 to 12 babies. This gives them a huge reproductive advantage and explains why the rat population in Washington, D.C. continues to grow despite our best efforts to control it.
So what can be done about this issue? Unfortunately, there is no easy solution. The best way to combat the rat problem is to address its root causes: food waste and inadequate trash disposal practices. We need to make sure that we’re not providing these animals with an easy food source, and we need to ensure that they have nowhere to hide. Only then can we hope to get the rat problem under control.
3. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a city of many contrasts. It’s home to Hollywood celebrities and the wealthiest individuals, yet it also has one of the largest homeless populations in the country. It’s a beautiful city with sandy beaches and palm trees, but it’s also one of the most rat-infested cities in the world.
And while there are many factors that contribute to this pest problem – from overcrowding and homelessness to improper waste disposal – it’s clear that unsanitary living conditions are a major contributor.
Unfortunately, these unsanitary conditions are not limited to just low-income neighborhoods. In fact, rats can be found in all corners of the city – from high-brow areas to low-income neighborhoods. And while they may not be carrying the plague like their medieval ancestors, these rats are still linked to the spread of disease. In particular, Norway rats have been linked to the outbreak of typhus in Los Angeles.
So what can be done to solve this problem? Well, improving living conditions is a good place to start. This means providing adequate housing and sanitation facilities for all residents, as well as increasing public awareness about proper waste disposal methods. But even with these measures, it’s clear that Los Angeles still has a long way to go before it solves its rat problem.
2. Chicago
The city of Chicago is known for many things: its deep-dish pizza, its iconic skyline, and, of course, its rats. The “Windy City” has earned a reputation as the rat capital of the United States, and it consistently ranks among the top three most rat-infested cities in the country.
The north and northwest areas of Chicago with high-density populations report more cases of rat infestations, outnumbering the combined numbers from the other top three cities. A larger population means more food sources, more buildings, and thus more rats in the city.
According to reports, the primary cause of the rat problem in Chicago is an abundance of garbage and insufficient waste disposal. But whatever the cause, there’s no denying that rats are a big problem in Chicago. And as anyone who’s ever seen a rat scurry across the street knows, they’re not exactly cute and cuddly creatures.
In fact, they’re downright disgusting. So if you’re planning a trip to Chicago, be sure to watch your step!
1. New York
New Yorkers have a long-standing love-hate relationship with rats. On the one hand, we’re disgusted by their presence and horrified by the diseases they carry.
On the other hand, we have to admire their tenacity in surviving amidst our concrete jungle. It’s estimated that there are over two million rats living in New York City- that’s more rats than people!
The brown rat is the most common species, and New York consistently ranks in the top three “rattiest cities” in the United States. With our dense population and a surplus of waste on every subway, street, and corner, rats are visible everywhere (even in the daylight!).
The city’s long-standing rat problem can be traced back to an ever-increasing number of restaurants, which provide plenty of opportunities for rats to survive on leftover foods. To combat this threat, the New York City Department of Health is implementing a number of pest management strategies.
While it remains to be seen if these strategies will be successful in reducing the rat population, one thing is certain: as long as there are restaurants in New York City, there will be rats.
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for a new place to live, or just want to avoid the rat race (pun intended), take heed – these are America’s five most rat-infested cities. Do you live in one of them? Or maybe your city didn’t make the list but is plagued with rats nonetheless?
Let us know in the comments. And if you need help getting rid of rats, don’t hesitate to contact us – we can help!
Also, remember to follow us for more home improvement content. In the meantime, if you are dealing with squirrels in your yard, check how to keep them away from your bird feeders.
