San Francisco has made an unsettling appearance on Orkin’s 2024 “Top 50 Rattiest Cities” list, landing at #4. This placement highlights a persistent challenge for the Bay Area, as urban environments provide favorable conditions for rodent populations to thrive.
The list, which has been topped by Chicago for ten consecutive years, ranks cities based on the number of new rodent treatments conducted between September 1, 2023, and August 31, 2024. Los Angeles and New York rounded out the top three, with San Francisco not far behind.
Rodent infestations are a serious concern for homeowners and businesses, especially as colder weather drives mice and rats indoors in search of warmth and food.
Beyond structural damage, rodents are vectors for diseases such as Salmonellosis, Leptospirosis, and typhus, posing health risks to communities. The city’s densely packed neighborhoods, combined with plentiful food waste and hidden burrows, make it an appealing habitat for these pests.
With rats able to reproduce quickly, residents are encouraged to take preventive measures, such as sealing entry points, managing waste securely, and monitoring for early signs of infestation.