California’s major cities are grappling with a rodent problem, as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento have been named among the most rat-infested cities in the U.S. for 2024, according to Orkin’s annual list. The four cities also rank high nationally, with other areas like Seattle, Richmond, and Honolulu also making the top 50.
John Kane, Orkin’s National Accounts Entomologist, highlighted the serious structural threats posed by rats, including damage to piping, walls, and electrical wiring—posing a fire hazard.
The data, compiled from residential rodent treatments conducted between September 1, 2023, and August 31, 2024, reveals the growing rodent issues across the country, urging homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their properties.