Los Angeles Takes the Unwanted Crown: America's Rattiest City, Really?

Well, here’s a headline that certainly isn’t going to win Los Angeles any new tourism awards. In a surprising turn of events—frankly, quite a shocker—our sprawling metropolis, famed for its sunshine and celebrity sightings, has just claimed an utterly unwanted title: America's "Rattiest City." Yes, you read that right. According to the latest data from the venerable pest control titans at Orkin, Los Angeles has officially dethroned Chicago, which, for a remarkable nine consecutive years, held this dubious distinction.

For those of us who call Southern California home, it’s a moment that probably elicits a raised eyebrow, maybe a slight shudder. Chicago, with its deep-dish pizza and blustery winters, always seemed a natural fit for such a, shall we say, robust rodent population. But LA? It just feels… unexpected. The ranking, mind you, isn't just some whimsical declaration; it's meticulously compiled from the sheer volume of new rodent treatments Orkin performed across the nation between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2023. And for the first time ever, our city topped the list. Ouch.

But why, one might ask? What’s drawing these critters to our palm-lined streets and bustling neighborhoods? Well, it’s actually a pretty straightforward equation, if you think about it. Rodents, much like us, are constantly on the lookout for the essentials: food, water, and shelter. And as the cooler months—yes, even our mild LA "winters"—begin to creep in, these opportunistic little creatures tend to make themselves a bit too comfortable in our homes and businesses, seeking refuge from the changing outdoor conditions.

It’s not just an aesthetic issue, either; far from it. The presence of rats and mice brings with it a whole host of less-than-charming realities. We’re talking about serious health risks here, friends. These aren’t just cute little cartoon characters; they’re carriers of diseases like hantavirus, salmonellosis, and leptospirosis. And let's not forget the property damage—they gnaw, they chew, they burrow. Electrical wires, insulation, pipes… nothing, it seems, is safe from their relentless quest for comfort and access, potentially leading to costly repairs and, honestly, even fire hazards.

So, what's a city dweller to do? Orkin, the very folks who delivered this rather unwelcome news, also offer some rather sensible advice, thankfully. First and foremost, seal up those entry points. Even the smallest cracks and crevices can be an open invitation, so be vigilant. Secondly, clear out the clutter—both inside and outside. Less hiding spots means fewer places for them to feel at home. Trimming back overgrown vegetation around your property can also help, as it eliminates convenient pathways to your abode. And for goodness sake, keep your food in sealed containers and make sure your trash bins are tightly secured. It sounds basic, I know, but sometimes the simplest steps are the most effective. Because, really, who wants to share their perfect LA pad with an uninvited, furry, and frankly disease-carrying guest? Certainly not I, and I’m betting not you either.