One city’s jump in a new rat ranking is raising fresh concerns

NewsA Midwest city just joined America’s top 10 rat-infested cities for the first timePest-control experts say large populations, food waste and aging infrastructure help rodents thrive in many of America’s biggest cities. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)ASSOCIATED PRESSRodents continue to be a major problem in many American cities, and a new report shows one Midwest city has reached a milestone residents would rather avoid.Terminix, one of the nation’s largest pest control companies, released its annual ranking of the most rodent-infested cities in the United States. The list is based on rodent control service requests handled by more than 300 Terminix branches during 2025. According to the company, the rankings show where customers most often sought help for rat and mouse problems. New York City remained No. 1 on the list, followed by Los Angeles. Philadelphia moved up to third place this year, while other familiar cities such as Houston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Boston and Dallas also finished in the top 10. The biggest surprise came from Detroit. For the first time, the city cracked the top 10 after moving up from No. 11 in last year’s ranking. The jump highlights concerns that many residents and local leaders have raised about rodents in recent years. Concerns about rats are not new in Detroit. City officials previously discussed complaints from residents about infestations in some neighborhoods. Community members have pointed to vacant properties and demolition sites as places where rodents can find shelter and multiply. Terminix said cities on the list tend to share several things in common. Large populations create more food waste, while alleys, dumpsters, parks and older infrastructure can give rats and mice easy access to food and safe places to nest. Underground sewer systems and aging buildings can also help rodents move through cities without being easily seen. The company said homeowners can lower their risk of infestations by sealing cracks around doors and windows, storing food in tightly sealed containers and cleaning up crumbs or food waste. While rats may be common in large cities, experts say a few simple steps can help keep them from moving inside. Chris Pugh covers trending news and national breaking stories, focusing on the moments, conversations, and cultural flashpoints shaping the national news cycle. Chris worked as a digital reporter for...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff.