‘Rats’ Paradise’: Chicago named ‘rattiest city’ in America for the 10th straight year
For the 10th year in a row, a well-known pest control firm has declared Chicago as the “rattiest city.”
Orkin, a pest control service founded in 1901, made this announcement on Monday.
“The streets of Chicago provide an ideal environment for rats. They gnaw constantly to discover new food sources, contaminate supplies, and cause damage to property,” explained John Kane, Orkin’s national accounts entomologist. “If action isn’t taken, their numbers will continue to rise, leading to greater issues.”
This year, Chicago outperformed Los Angeles (which took second place) and New York (in third place), as reported by Orkin. All three cities have dealt with persistent rodent issues and have remained in the top three since 2017, according to the company.
As winter approaches, Orkin cautions that rodents will seek warmer spots for shelter.
Chicago allocates $14.8 million to combat rodent issues in 2024
Chicago has set aside $14.8 million for its “Bureau of Rodent Control,” which focuses on eradicating rodent populations, educating the public on minimizing rodent risks, and disposing of dead animals, as per city documents obtained by YSL News.
The documentation indicates that Chicago’s budget for rat “control and prevention” in 2024 is $1.5 million more than what was allocated in 2023.
It remains uncertain how much Chicago and Mayor Brandon Johnson will invest in rodent control in the upcoming year, as the city’s budget for 2025 does not mention specific funding for this initiative.
YSL News reached out to Johnson’s office and the Chicago city administration on Monday but has yet to receive a reply.
Which type of rat is invading Chicago?
The primary rat species identified in Chicago is the Norway rat, according to the city’s Bureau of Rodent Control. This species originally came from Asia and typically lives about six to twelve months, as noted by the bureau.
“Norway rats tend to inhabit underground burrows,” states the bureau. “They are skilled climbers and swimmers and are mainly active at night. Their teeth are exceptionally strong, allowing them to chew through materials like wood and softer substances. They can fit through openings the size of a quarter, can swim for three days, and can survive a fall from five stories.”
Female Norway rats can give birth to four to seven litters per year when they reach two to three months old, with each litter containing eight to twelve pups, according to the bureau. They can conceive just 48 hours after delivering their young, and the size and survival of their litters depend on the availability of food and shelter.
Although Norway rats prefer fresh food, they are not picky eaters and will consume a variety of items such as pet food, dog waste, garbage, plants, and even each other if food is scarce, as noted by the bureau.
Which cities have the highest rat populations?
The following list shows the cities with the largest rat populations, based on Orkin’s findings.
- Chicago, Ill.
- Los Angeles, Calif.
- New York, N.Y.
- San Francisco, Cali.
- Washington, D.C.
- Denver, Colo.
- Philadelphia, Pa.
- Detroit, Mich.
- Baltimore, Md.
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Minneapolis, Minn.
- Boston, Mass.
- Hartford, Conn.
- Seattle, Wash.
- Indianapolis, Ind.
- Atlanta, Ga.
- Columbus, Ohio
- San Diego, Calif.
- Milwaukee, Wis.
- Sacramento, Calif.
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Dallas, Texas
- Miami, Fla.
- Norfolk, Va.
- Houston, Texas
- Charlotte, N.C.
- Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Raleigh, N.C.
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Albuquerque, N.M.
