These California cities are among the ‘rattiest’ in US, study says. Sacramento’s on the list

Brianna Taylor
·2 min read
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Sacramento is home to one of the largest rat populations in the U.S., according to a new rodent study.

The capital city ranked No. 33 on a list of Top 50 Rattiest Cities compiled by Orkin, an Atlanta-based pest control company. Also on the list: Los Angeles (No. 2), San Francisco (No. 5) and San Diego (No. 28).

As the weather begins to cool, mice and other rodents enter homes looking for food, water and shelter. Once they set up shop, it could be difficult to get rid of them.

Entomologist Ben Hottel with Orkin said rodents multiply quickly and an infestation gone unchecked could cause major damage inside and around your home or business.

“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,” he wrote in a statement.

The ranking is based on the number of new rodent services in metro regions, which demonstrates the demand for pest control and the effort made by the people in that city to get rid of the issue. Orkin then ranked cities based on the number of both new residential and commercial rodent treatments provided between September 2022 and August 2023.

Chicago took the top spot for the ninth year in a row. New York swapped places with Los Angeles for the third spot.

Sacramento and San Diego have bigger rat problems than Kansas City, Orlando and Nashville. San Francisco has a larger population than Philadelphia, Baltimore and Detroit.

5 signs you may have rats

Rodents are equipped with strong jaws and oversized teeth, the perfect combination to chew through just about anything including pipes and gas lines.

Here’s what to watch out for, according to Orkin:

  1. Droppings - Typically left where food is stored

  2. Gnaw marks - Wire damage within the walls could lead to a fire

  3. Nests - Generally found in dark, isolated areas with shredded material

  4. Rub marks - Grease or dirt marks on walls and floorboards

  5. Strange noises - The sound of scurrying, especially in the attic

Block entryways, keep your space clear of clutter and food and maintain your landscape to curb the chances of an infestation.

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