Orkin has published its 2026 ranking of the U.S. cities with the highest rodent activity. Find out whether your city appears on the list.
WASHINGTON — Los Angeles has held on to the top spot in Orkin’s 2026 list of the “rattiest” cities in the United States, remaining No. 1 for a second consecutive year.
The Atlanta-based pest control company said in a news release that it compiled the ranking by tracking new residential rodent treatments recorded between Aug. 9, 2025, and Aug. 9, 2026. The data provides a snapshot of where rat and mice treatment activity was highest across the country.
After Los Angeles, the leading cities were Chicago, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
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Albuquerque, New Mexico, posted the largest increase, climbing 12 places to No. 31. Hartford, Connecticut, saw the steepest drop, sliding 12 spots to No. 17.
“There’s no single type of city or climate that’s immune to rodent pressure,” Dr. Shannon Sked, Orkin’s national technical director, said in the release. “Rats and mice are highly adaptable and can thrive in communities across the country wherever they can find food, water and shelter. That’s why prevention and early detection are important for homeowners, regardless of where they live.”
Orkin’s top ‘rattiest’ cities list for 2026
If left unchecked, rats and mice can damage buildings and spread disease. Rodent populations can also grow quickly, turning a minor issue into a serious infestation in a short period of time.
Homeowners can help prevent rodents by inspecting a home’s exterior for small openings and sealing them promptly. Fixing leaks can remove potential water sources, while properly maintaining trash containers and replacing damaged ones can help limit access to food.