LA Dethrones Chicago As America's 'Rattiest' City For 1st Time Ever: Ranking

Los Angeles' rodent problem has led the city to take the crown as the No. 1 "rattiest" city in the country, according to a new ranking from pest control company Orkin.

"With year-round warm weather, a booming culinary scene and dense neighborhoods that offer ample access to food and shelter, the City of Angels checks every box for rodent survival. From bustling commercial corridors to hidden alleyways, Los Angeles’ signature blend of glam and grit creates a perfect storm for rodent activity," reads a release from Orkin.

The news marks an unfortunate milestone for Los Angeles: In the decade that Orkin has been compiling the list, Chicago has always taken the No. 1 spot. This marks the first year that a different city has dethroned Chicago.

The ratings shakeup signals a shift in rodent activity, Orkin's experts say. Weather is the likely culprit.

"This year’s data shows other major cities are seeing increased pressure, particularly as more moderate climates improve rodent survival rates and urban sprawl opens new pathways for infestations," Orkin wrote.

Orkin came up with its Top 50 Rattiest Cities List by trading new rodent services in owner-occupied residences between August 2024 and August 2025, according to the company.

California is the most-represented state on the list, with four cities in the top 50 — and two in the top five:

• Los Angeles (No. 1)
• San Francisco (No. 4)
• Sacramento (No. 19)
• San Diego (No. 24)

Rats can cause a host of problems for property owners. They can gnaw through walls, wiring and pipes; and carry disease including Leptospirosis, Salmonellosis, LCM, plague and typhus, according to Orkin.

The company recommends the following measures to prevent rats from making themselves at home:

• guard entry points by sealing cracks, holes and gaps
• don't leave food unattended outside for pets or wildlife
• avoid clutter that could create nesting spots
• watch for signs such as droppings, gnaw marks or rub marks, burrows or scampering noises
• watch for small openings — rats need an opening no bigger than the size of a quarter to access a building, and mice need even less space
• eliminate water sources by fixing leaky faucets, pipes or standing water
• Check for holes or damage in outdoor trash bins — especially along the bottom, lid or sides. If bins are broken or chewed through, contact your local sanitation provider to request a replacement.

City News Service contributed to this report.