Ohio’s Rodent Challenge: Three Cities Ranked in Orkin’s ‘Top 50 Rattiest Cities’

MJP –

Rats seem to follow a similar pattern that many humans do — live in large communities with plenty of resources nearby.

Their top pick? Cities across the United States.

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What You Need To Know

Orkin put out it’s “Top 50 Rattiest Cities List”
Three Ohio cities made the cut
Cleveland ranked worst, coming in at number 10
Rats can spread disease, and Orkin has issued some advice on what to look out for and what to do if you think you have an infestation

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It’s an untidy reality that comes with so many people living in such close proximity. As the New York State Department of Health puts it: “Rats like to live where people live.”

Orkin released it’s “Top 50 Rattiest Cities List,” and Ohio’s three major cities made the cut. To create the list, they looked at new residential rodent treatments from Sept. 1, 2023 to Aug. 31, 2024.

Cleveland ranked worst for Ohio, coming in at number 10. Columbus ranked at 17 and Cincinnati at 34.

Topping the list nationally is Chicago, followed by Los Angeles and then New York.

The CDC said rodents carry diseases spread via their droppings, bites or just handling of them and that infestations “in and around the home is the main reason disease spreads from rodents to people.”

In the news release from Orkin, they caution homeowners that rodents find their way inside as the cold weather hits.

Hit Hard Here! Top 5 Rat-Infested Areas in Chicago: Where Rodent Problems Are Most Severe

“Rodents can cause a lot of structural problems for property owners,” said John Kane, Orkin National Accounts entomologist & quality manager, in the release.

“They can get in around piping and even chew through walls. These tiny culprits tend to chew through wiring, which poses an increased risk of fires.”

Here’s what they say homeowners should be on the lookout for to know if they have an infestation:

• Droppings
• Noises (scratching, scurrying)
• Gnaw marks
• Rub marks
• Burrows