This is one list you don’t want to be near the top of. And luckily for North Carolina, we aren’t, the newest “rattiest cities” list by Orkin was released and both Charlotte and Raleigh are fairly low in the rankings. Both cities did rise a few spots, however, from where they ranked last year. I’ve personally never seen a rat in either city, in fact, the only time I truly remember seeing one on the street was in Boston. It’s number 13 on this list. I’m heading soon to New York City where there’s also a good chance I’ll encounter rodents. I always say, I don’t like animals I’m not expecting to see. And I’m never expecting to see a rat.

The list was released by Orkin yesterday, and for the eighth consecutive year, Chicago takes the top spot. New York came in at number 2 (great) and Los Angeles at 3. This is one list you should definitely trust, it’s compiled by experts. Orkin ranked metro regions by the number of new rodent treatments performed from September 1, 2021, to August 31, 2022. This ranking includes both residential and commercial treatments. Below you’ll find the top 10, as well as where North and South Carolina cities ranked on Orkin’s rattiest cities list in 2022.

• The Top 10 Rattiest Cities

  1. Chicago

  2. New York (+1)

  3. Los Angeles (-1)

  4. Washington, D.C.

  5. San Francisco

  6. Philadelphia (+1)

  7. Baltimore (-1)

  8. Cleveland, Oh. (+2)

  9. Detroit (-1)

  10. Denver (-1)

• Raleigh

  Raleigh was the highest-ranking Carolina city. The state capital is ranked number 32, which is up 3 spots from last year’s list. Still being in the bottom half (the list contained 50 total cities), is a good thing. And like I mentioned previously I’ve never encountered a rat in downtown Raleigh, so I’ll take that as a win!

  

• Charlotte

  Good news Queen City, we are even farther down the list than Raleigh. And this time that’s something to be proud of. Charlotte came in at number 37 which is up 4 spots from last year. Where are you encountering rats or having to call about having them removed? Luckily this is not a problem I’ve had as a longtime resident. And I’m hoping it’s one I NEVER have.

  

• Greenville

  I’m going out a limb here and going to assume this is Greenville, SC. Just based on the size and cities that typically make these lists. Orkin did not specify states on their rankings (and this isn’t the only city I’m not sure about). Following the trend they also rose in the rankings. They come in up 3 spots from last year at number 41.

• Signs Of A Rat Infestation

  Orkin also provided some signs to alert you if you have a problem with rodents.

  • Droppings: Rodent droppings are often left behind in places where food is stored, such as kitchen cabinets or pantries, under sinks, inside chewed cardboard boxes, along baseboards and on top of wall beams

  • Gnaw marks: Mice are known to bite through walls, wood and wires. The damage to wiring within walls can increase the risk for a house fire.

  • Nests: Rodents prefer to nest in dark, secluded areas where there is little chance of disturbance. Be on the lookout for shredded paper products, cotton, packing materials and other fabrics, as house mice like to build nests out of these materials.

  • Rub marks: Rats tend to leave dark grease or dirt marks along walls and floorboards as they follow a trail throughout the home between their nest and food.

  • Strange noises: Scurrying in the walls or in the attic could mean a rodent family is present. Rodents are especially fond of attics as it’s an insulated area for nest building.

• Tips To Prevent Rats

  • Store away food. Small crumbs and garbage are popular food sources, as are dry goods such as grains and cereals. These should be kept in sealed metal or glass containers to prevent contamination.

  • Declutter. Cardboard objects prove attractive to rodents, as they tend to chew them up for use in their nests. Take advantage of your extra time at home to clean and organize crowded spaces around the house.

  • Maintain your landscaping. Tall grass with adequate harborages, such as woodpiles next to the house, can be ideal habitats for rodents. Tree branches in contact with homes can also offer rodents easy access to the upper levels of your home where they may find a way into the attic.

  • Inspect both inside and outside your home. Keep an eye out for rodent droppings, burrows and rub marks along baseboards and walls. The sooner rodents are detected, the better.

  • Look for possible entry points. Seal any holes and cracks that are found around your home. Install weather strips around entryways, especially under doors, to help keep mice out of your home.

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