Detroit enters top 10 most rat-infested US cities list

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 03:14 · Archive

Detroit has entered the top 10 most rodent-infested cities in the United States for the first time, according to pest control company Terminix.

Terminix, a national pest control company, has released its 2025 ranking of America's most rodent-infested cities based on service data from over 300 branches nationwide. The ranking measures where residents most frequently used the company's rodent control services. New York and Los Angeles retained the top two spots, whilst Philadelphia moved up one place to number three.

Detroit entered the top 10 for the first time, rising from eleventh place in the previous ranking. The top 15 also includes returning cities Houston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Boston and Dallas, followed by Hartford, Atlanta, Baltimore, Tampa and Sacramento.

Rodent infestations have been a longstanding concern in Detroit. In a 2023 memorandum, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, who was then serving as city council president, said residents had identified rodent infestations as a major complaint during a community meeting. She noted that '[residents] shared that many demolition properties become homes for rat infestation'.

Terminix identified three common factors across all cities on the list: large populations, abundant food sources and plenty of places for rodents to hide. According to the company, these conditions together give rats and mice the resources needed to survive and reproduce.

How it is being reported

• America’s most rat-infested cities ranked as Midwest surprise cracks top 10New York and Los Angeles held top two spots, while Philadelphia bumped up to No. 3 — and a new city joined the top 10New York Post · 13 Oct, 02:59
• America’s most rat-infested cities ranked as Midwest surprise cracks top 10The city of Detroit cracked Terminix's top 10 most rodent-infested cities for the first time, joining New York City, Los Angeles and Philadelphia on the annual list.Fox News · 12 Oct, 18:46

In this story: Detroit · New York · Los Angeles · Philadelphia · Terminix · Mary Sheffield

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