Rodent Infestations Surge in Major US Cities with New York Leading the Pack

Rats and mice are prevalent in major U.S. cities, with their populations thriving in environments that offer abundant food and shelter. The problem is particularly acute in large urban areas, where the combination of high population density and ample waste provides an ideal habitat for these rodents. This situation creates significant challenges for city residents, as rodents can cause substantial damage to property and pose serious public health risks.

To address this issue, Terminix, a nationwide pest control service, tracked rodent control service requests across its 300 branches in 2023. The data revealed which cities experienced the highest demand for rodent control services. According to the findings, New York City topped the list, followed by the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. Other major cities such as Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Chicago also ranked high, indicating widespread rodent problems in urban areas.

The report from Terminix identified the top 15 cities with the most rodent control needs. In addition to New York City, San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, and Los Angeles, other cities on the list included Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Chicago. The Sacramento metro area, which ranked 12th, is also notable. These rankings highlight the extent of rodent infestations across various major urban centers.

Rodents are naturally drawn to cities due to their high population densities, easy access to food, and mild climates. These conditions make urban areas particularly vulnerable to rodent infestations, which can be difficult to manage without proper pest control measures. Pest control companies, like Terminix, provide essential services to mitigate these issues and help manage rodent populations in affected cities.

For residents in rodent-prone cities, it’s important to be aware of signs that rodents might be present in their homes. Indicators such as droppings, urine odors, gnawed holes, scampering noises, and unusual behavior in pets can signal a rodent infestation. If these signs are noticed, homeowners should consider setting traps or contacting professional pest control services to address the problem effectively.