Boston is one of the rattiest cities in America. Well, not just rats. In a recent study by New York-based pest inspector Doctor Sniffs, Boston ranks fourth on a list of the most pest-infested cities in America. Not a great and prestigious list to be on. Definitely not something we should be bragging about. The study actually analyzed census data from 2021 specifically when it came to rat and cockroach infestations. According to a statement from Doctor Sniffs: “The city faced 417.8 rat sightings and 74.4 cockroach sightings across a year time frame.”

As nasty as that sounds, Doctor Sniffs also analyzed strictly rat infestations in each city and New York City is ranked #1 for the most rats in America. I don’t believe this is too surprising a statistic. There were 1225 rat sightings in New York City during the analyzing period.

This is nothing new for Boston. Just last year, Boston was named the 13th “rattiest” city in America according to a study from Orkin. Rodent infestations become more severe of an issue in the fall and winter months so it seems as if Boston’s pest problem will only get worse in the coming months. The other issue with these types of infestations is the fact that these pests carry diseases like Salmonella and Hantavirus.

So what should you do to control the pest population in your city? First off, CLEAN! Do NOT leave trash or litter or even uncovered trash cans in and around your apartment or house. Store all food in containers and leave NO food out on any surface. Make sure your plumbing has no leaks. And close off places where pests can hide. That being said, below are the most pest-infested cities in America. Thinking none of these cities will surprise anyone. Boston continues to be in the top 10.

  • #10 New York City

    New York City and ninth place of San Francisco had a combined pest sighting rate of 27.2 per 100,000 residents “and a staggering 1,164.9 rat sightings, and 1,225.7 cockroach sightings, the highest on the list for both pest sightings throughout 2021.”

    Rats: Boston ranks on list of most pest-infested cities in America, study says

    Rats. This isn't a list any city would want to be on.

  • #9 San Francisco

    New York City and ninth place of San Francisco had a combined pest sighting rate of 27.2 per 100,000 residents “and a staggering 1,164.9 rat sightings, and 1,225.7 cockroach sightings, the highest on the list for both pest sightings throughout 2021.”

    Our city is infested with mice and rats

    In SF, 9.2% of homes had signs of mice or rats in the past year, per the 2021 American Housing Survey.

     

  • #7 Dallas

    Rats have been known to be the most commonly reported rodent and/or pest nuisance in the state of Texas. Dallas is home to two different types of rats:  Brown rats and black rats.

    The Most Important Things For Dallas Homeowners To Know About Rats

    Rats often spread disease and damage your house. Here are the most important things for homeowners in Dallas to know about rats.

  • #6 Houston

    Rats have been known to be the most commonly reported rodent and/or pest nuisance in the state of Texas. No surprise that Houston is also in the top 10 along with Dallas.

    We got rats! Houston ranked among 'rattiest' cities in US

    The Bayou City recently ranked at No. 17 on Orkin's "Top 50 Rattiest Cities List," coming...

  • #5 Riverside, CA

    There have been reported cases of viruses spread by rat/mice droppings in Riverside.

    First human case of hantavirus in Riverside County - KESQ

    The first human case of hantavirus in Riverside County was recently confirmed by health officials.

  • #4 Boston

    According to Doctor Sniffs: “The city faced 417.8 rat sightings and 74.4 cockroach sightings across a year time frame.” 

    Rats: Boston ranks on list of most pest-infested cities in America, study says

    Rats. This isn't a list any city would want to be on.

  • #3 Washington D.C.

    The complaints about rats have spiked in the past year. This is due to the rise in restaurants in D.C. They also attribute it to more people working from home which means eating from home and not disposing of trash properly.

    Here's What's Behind the Exploding Rat Population in DC, Experts Say

    Milder winters and more people working from home are some of the biggest reasons the District has seen a spike in the number of complaints about rats.

  • #2 Miami

    Miami is the second most populated city in Florida so this is no surprise. Rats go where people go unfortunately.

    2 Florida cities among 50 most rat-infested in America

    What is the most rat-infested city in the U.S? Believe it or not, there's an annual survey, and two Florida cities are in the top 50.

  • #1 Atlanta

    Congratulations Atlanta, YOU WIN! Atlanta tops the list with a combined pest sighting rate of 165.9 per 100,000 residents.

    Atlanta tops list for rat and cockroach sightings, per study

    The city faced over 100 rat sightings and over 700 cockroach sightings.

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