COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Orkin has ratted out Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati for being among the top 50 cities for reported rodent activity in the United States.
In order to create this year’s list of the “rattiest cities,” Orkin compiled the number of new rodent services it performed at owner-occupied residences from August 2024 to August 2025. The cities that sought the most help with rodents — such as rats, mice and chipmunks — topped the list.
Columbus ranked at No. 21, falling four spots from last year’s report. Cleveland was also named among the most rodent-infested cities, at No. 11, as well as Cincinnati, at No. 27. While Cleveland fell one spot compared with last year, Cincinnati jumped eight spots.
Los Angeles took the crown as the rattiest city in America, dethroning Chicago after the Windy City’s 10-year reign at No. 1.
“In true Hollywood fashion, Los Angeles has taken center stage,” the report said. “With year-round warm weather, a booming culinary scene and dense neighborhoods that offer ample access to food and shelter, the City of Angels checks every box for rodent survival.”
The list by Orkin is based solely on the number of treatments in each city and does not factor in population sizes, which likely impacted the rankings. The cities sitting at the top of the list are some of the most populated in the country.
Chicago came in at No. 2, and was followed by New York; San Francisco; Hartford, Connecticut; Washington, D.C.; Detroit; Philadelphia and Minneapolis.
Orkin’s full list is available on its website.
