America’s most rat-infested cities ranked as Midwest surprise cracks top 10

A national pest control company has released its annual list of the top 10 most rodent-infested cities in the U.S. — and one Midwest city has now joined the list for the first time.

The list is based on rodent control service data from more than 300 Terminix branches nationwide in 2025, ranking cities where residents most frequently used the company's services.

While New York and Los Angeles held onto the top two spots, Philadelphia moved up one spot to No. 3.

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The top 10 list included returning cities like Houston, Chicago and Washington, D.C. — as well as Boston and Dallas.

There was also a new entrant in the top 10 this year.

For the first time, Detroit cracked the top 10, moving up one spot from No. 11.

Rodent infestations have previously raised concerns among Detroit residents.

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In a 2023 memorandum obtained by Fox News Digital, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, who was then serving as the city council president, said residents complained about rodent infestations during a community meeting.

"In a recent community meeting that I held, rodent infestations were a main complaint among our residents," Sheffield said at the time.

"[Residents] shared that many demolition properties become homes for rat infestation."

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Fox News Digital reached out to Sheffield's office for comment.

Following Detroit on the list were Hartford, Atlanta, Baltimore, Tampa and Sacramento, rounding out the top 15.

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Terminix said all the cities on the list share three common factors: large populations, abundant food sources and plenty of places for rodents to hide.

"Together, these conditions give rats and mice the resources they need to survive and reproduce," said Terminix in a release. The Rentokil Terminix company is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. 

"Large populations generate significant amounts of food waste, while dumpsters, alleys, parks, and other urban spaces can give rodents easy access to food," the company added.

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"Older buildings, subway systems, and sewer networks provide additional places to travel, hide, and nest."

Terminix also urged residents to take steps to prevent rodent infestations. 

That includes sealing cracks and openings around doors, windows and foundations, storing food in airtight containers and keeping living spaces clean and free of crumbs and food residue.

"If you live in one of the most rat-infested cities, these steps can significantly help lower the risk of a rodent infestation," the company added.