American rat-infested cities ranked among the 10 wonders of the Midwest

The city of Detroit made the Terminix Top 10 Rodent Cities list for the first time, joining New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia on the annual list.

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

Based on rodent control service data from more than 300 Terminix locations nationwide in 2025, the list ranks the cities where residents most frequently used the company's services.

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

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

This year, there was a new person in the top 10.

Terminix analyzed rodent control service data from more than 300 branches across the country to identify the cities with the highest demand for its services in 2025. (iStock)

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

The rodent infestation has already been a concern for Detroit residents.

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At a recent community meeting I held, Sheffield said at the time: "Rodent infestations were our residents' main complaint.

Terminix released its annual ranking of America's most rat-infested cities, with Detroit, seen above, breaking into the top 10 for the first time. (iStock)

"[Residents] shared that many demolition properties are becoming homes for rat infestations."

Detroit was followed by Hartford, Atlanta, Baltimore, Tampa and Sacramento to round out the top 15.

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

Detroit, pictured here, moved up from No. 11 to enter the top 10 rodent-infested cities for the first time, according to Terminix. (iStock)

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

"Large populations produce significant amounts of food waste, while dumps, alleys, parks and other urban spaces can provide rodents with easy access to food," the company added.

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"Older buildings, subway systems, and sewers provide more places to travel, hide, and nest."

Terminix also urged residents to take precautions to prevent rodent infestation.

According to the pest control company Terminix, garbage cans, alleys, parks and other urban spaces can provide rodents with access to food. (iStock)

This includes sealing gaps and openings around doors, windows, and foundations, storing food in sealed containers, and keeping the living area clean and free of crumbs and food debris.

"If you live in a rat-infested city, these steps can significantly help reduce the risk of rodent infestation," the company added.

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