The Most ‘Rattiest’ Cities in Pennsylvania

Pest control company Orkin has reported that every fall, approximately 21 million American homes are invaded by mice and other rodents. Between October and February, these pests are looking for food, shelter from the cold, and water.

"Rodents multiply swiftly and when an infestation is left unattended, they can cause extensive damage to homes and yards," said Ben Hottel, an Orkin entomologist. "Rats are capable of squeezing into spaces through holes as small as a quarter, which makes it especially important to seal cracks from the outside."

The pest control company released its annual list of the top 50 most infested rat cities. These rankings are determined by the number of new rodent control services requested, thus indicating the extent of demand and the efforts made by residents and businesses to combat rodent problems. It’s worth mentioning that their ranking includes both residential and commercial pest control services.

Unfortunately, two cities in Pennsylvania have earned a place on the list of “rattiest” cities, with one of them securing a spot in the top 6. In this year's rankings, Philadelphia’s at number 6, and Pittsburgh was at number 16.

At the top of their ranking is Chicago. The city has maintained its position as the city with the highest rodent activity in the United States for the ninth consecutive year. Meanwhile, Los Angeles has reclaimed the second position, and New York has moved down to third place. Washington, D.C., and San Francisco complete the top five cities on the list.

Orkin offers valuable recommendations for preventing rats and mice from invading your home. One of the most critical steps is not to leave food out. Store grains, cereals, and crumbs in sealed containers to prevent rodents from finding food sources. Additionally, declutter your living space and avoid leaving cardboard items out, as rodents use them for nests.

Moreover, your home's surroundings play a vital role in rodent prevention. Keep tall grass, woodpiles, and tree branches away from your home to deter rodents from finding shelter and entry points. To proactively combat rodent infestations, it's recommended that you regularly inspect both the interior and exterior of your home for signs such as droppings, burrows, and rub marks along baseboards and walls.

Lastly, address any cracks or holes that could serve as access points for rodents. Consider installing weather strips around entryways, especially under doors, to create an effective barrier against unwanted intruders.

Take a look at the full list here.