10 Cities With the Worst Rat Infestations in 2026
Cities across the United States are reporting serious rodent infestations as they kick off 2026. Pest control companies have released annual service data, which shows familiar names at the top of the rankings.
On this note, several cities have launched a bunch of aggressive control programs, including sanitation reforms and fertility treatments. Others are focusing on enforcement and infrastructure repairs to address the problem.
Los Angeles, California
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Warm temperatures in Los Angeles allow rats to breed year-round. The city ranked first in 2025, ending Chicago’s long run at the top. Dense neighborhoods and active restaurant corridors ensure steady access to food. However, California’s Poison-Free Wildlife Act restricts many traditional poisons, thereby changing control strategies.
Chicago, Illinois
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Few cities have dealt with rodent headlines as long as Chicago. The city logged more than 180,000 rat complaints since 2020. Its extensive alley network provides these pests with easy travel routes between properties. In recent years, warmer winters have reduced seasonal die-offs.
New York City, New York
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Estimates suggest that upwards of 3 million rats live across New York City, a significant increase since 2010. Officials appointed a full-time Rat Czar in 2023 to coordinate enforcement efforts. New York City now requires trash to sit in containers and limits curb exposure time.
San Francisco, California
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San Francisco has experienced steady growth in rodent populations over the past decade. A long-term study reported a roughly 10% population increase over 12 years. Dense housing, aging infrastructure, and abundant food sources in commercial corridors contribute to the trend. City officials continue expanding monitoring and sanitation enforcement efforts to contain recurring hotspots.
Washington, D.C.
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The reason behind Washington, D.C.’s persistent rat problem comes down to infrastructure and density. Aging sewer systems provide consistent shelter, and tightly packed housing makes it easy for rodents to move between buildings. Consequently, the location records some of the highest complaint rates in the country.
Boston, Massachusetts
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Castle Island made headlines in past years after visible rat activity raised public concern. Boston implemented a citywide rat control action plan in 2024 that covers every neighborhood. Moreover, officials issue violation notices and daily fines for violations of sanitation codes. So far, mild winters have supported stable survival rates.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Rats exploit the narrow structural gaps common in Philadelphia’s dense rowhouse neighborhoods. It allows them to move easily between connected buildings. Nearly 30 percent of households in Philadelphia County reported rodent problems in 2024. The good news is that heavy complaint volumes keep pest control providers active across many districts.
Baltimore, Maryland
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A multi-year Rat Attack Initiative was launched in Baltimore to target complaint hotspots and remove trash in heavily affected blocks. Health reports once showed infestation rates several times higher than the national average. For this reason, city crews ensure they inspect properties, treat known burrows, and monitor recurring trouble areas.
Detroit, Michigan
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Trash storage problems and property maintenance challenges have fueled Detroit’s growing rat population in recent years. Improperly secured waste and neglected structures give rats steady access to food and shelter. The city has climbed pest control rankings during the past three years. Detroit now spends over $300,000 annually on rodent control programs.
Denver, Colorado
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Residents have made it a habit to inspect exterior walls regularly and store pet food in sealed containers to reduce indoor rodent risk in Denver. Those precautions reflect a broader issue across numerous areas. In addition to that, public parks have been closed on several occasions to limit exposure.