Loathe Rodents? Steer Clear of These 12 Cities

LA takes the top spot for worst rat city. The City of Angels has the most searches for rodent control, which makes sense given the mild weather and abundant food sources from its huge population. Older homes with cracks and gaps make for perfect nesting spots, and rats will even come inside looking for water and grub during droughts. The city is overrun with Norway rats, though it sees its fair share of roof rats too.

San Francisco isn’t just one of the worst cities for rats, it’s also seen the rat population grow faster than other places, according to a recent study. The warming climate is a big factor, as the milder temps give rats more time to get busy. The city tracks rat sightings through 311 calls, and they’re even trying to control the population by distributing birth control in the parks.

Rats and New York City go hand-in-hand. The Big Apple is practically synonymous with rodents – whether it’s subway rats or that infamous pizza rat. Estimates say the city could have up to 3 million rats by 2025. In 2023, NYC even appointed a Rat Czar to tackle the issue, like installing rat-proof trash cans and making burrowing harder. They’re also fining residents and businesses that don’t properly dispose of garbage. The efforts seem to be working, with a 12-month drop in rat sightings.

Chicago’s got a serious rat problem thanks to all its alleys, which give the rodents plenty of places to scurry around unseen while hunting for food. The nooks and crannies throughout the city are perfect for breeding and burrowing. In 2025, the West Town neighborhood had the most rat sightings, with over 800 out of 15,000 citywide. One area called Dean Park has been “taken over” by the rats, according to locals.

You might think it’s a joke, but the nation’s capital has a major rat problem. Mild winters without freezing temps allow the rodents to thrive, and they can easily chew through flimsy trash cans or bags to get at the food inside. Some areas have special rodent-proof cans, but the whole city doesn’t have them. D.C. also has a program that places stray cats with businesses and homes to help control the rat population.

Seattle’s got a creepy rat problem – they’ve been showing up in people’s toilets! When it rains a lot, rats will try to escape the wet sewers and end up in the porcelain thrones of unsuspecting residents. It’s not super common, but the city still gets around 50 calls a year about it. Both Norway and roof rats thrive in Seattle’s damp conditions and older homes with lots of nooks to burrow in.

Dallas’ hot, humid climate has led to a major rat problem in the city. The severe weather like hurricanes also disturb the rodents and drive them closer to people. Plus, as one of the fastest-growing cities, there’s more food waste, trash, and places for rats to set up shop. In addition to Norway and roof rats, Dallas has the wood rat, which sticks to wooded areas, so you’re less likely to spot it around homes.

It’s not just Dallas battling rats in Texas – Austin has its fair share too. With the mild winters, rats can stay active longer and breed more easily. And as the city booms with new construction, it’s displacing a lot of rats, sending them scurrying to homes and businesses for shelter. Neighborhoods like Oak Hill, West Lake Hills, and Lakeway are hot spots for frequent rat complaints.

Phoenix’s consistently warm weather and lush landscaping with fruit trees make it a rat-friendly place. The reliable water sources from pools and irrigation also help draw them in. Residents mostly deal with roof rats, though you may spot some Norway rats too. As Phoenix expands into more desert areas, it’s creating even more places for roof rats to hide out year-round. The rodents are most active from October to March, but heavy monsoon rains can drive them indoors during the summer.