The Unflattering Crown: How Los Angeles Clawed Its Way to America's Rattiest City Title

So, here's a headline nobody in Los Angeles was exactly eager to wake up to this week. Orkin, the pest control gurus, just dropped their annual 'Top 50 Rattiest Cities' list, and — well, for the very first time, our beloved City of Angels has officially claimed the rather ignominious number one spot. Honestly, it's quite the dethroning, considering Chicago had held that particular, shall we say, crown for nine long years.

And yes, you read that right: nine consecutive years Chicago reigned supreme in the rodent department. But now? We've managed to unseat them. The data, in truth, comes from the sheer volume of new rodent treatments Orkin performed in residential and commercial spaces between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. It's a stark indicator, isn't it, of just how pervasive the issue has become right here at home.

It's not just about an unflattering ranking, though. Rodents, for all their seemingly harmless scurrying, are a genuine public health menace. They're notorious disease carriers — we're talking salmonella, hantavirus, leptospirosis, the works. And beyond the health hazards, think about the sheer damage they can wreak: chewing through electrical wires, contaminating food supplies, gnawing at pipes and insulation. Honestly, it's a costly problem, both for our well-being and our wallets.

With the cooler months now firmly upon us – and let's be real, even in sunny California, those nights can get chilly – rats and mice are looking for warmth, shelter, and a steady food source. And where do they often find it? Our homes, our businesses, our very personal spaces. It's a natural instinct, you could say, for them to seek refuge indoors as temperatures drop outside.

So, what's an Angeleno to do? Well, the experts — and Orkin certainly knows a thing or two about this — suggest some rather practical steps. First off, be vigilant. Seal up those tiny cracks and holes around your foundation, especially near utility lines, because a mouse, mind you, can squeeze through an opening the size of a dime. Keep your yard tidy; clear away woodpiles and dense vegetation that offer perfect hiding spots. And crucially, don't leave food out, not even pet food. Secure your trash bins, both inside and out. It really does make a difference.

It's a bit of a wake-up call, this number one spot, for sure. But perhaps, just perhaps, it's the kick we need to be a bit more proactive about pest control. Because while the title of 'Rattiest City' might sting, a clean, rodent-free home? Now that's a ranking we can all get behind.