Washington, DC Is Among Orkin's Rattiest Cities For 2022

WASHINGTON, DC — From Ben's Chili Bowl, go-go bands and Duke Ellington to free museums, Helen Hayes and half-smokes, Washington, D.C., is known for many great things.

One thing District residents may not want to be known for, however, is the overwhelming number of rats scurrying through our streets and backyards.

And when it comes to rats, Washington, D.C., is among the nation's 10 rattiest cities.

In fact, DC was ranked No. 4 on this year’s list of America's 50 Most Rat Infested Cities in 2022 by pest control company Orkin.

The list was created based on the number of new rodent treatments performed from Sept. 1, 2021, to Aug. 31, 2022. This includes both residential and commercial treatments.

In 2021, Washington was also ranked No. 4, so the situation has not improved.

"Rodent infestations are among the top pest issues of the fall and winter seasons,” said Ben Hottel, an Orkin entomologist. "Not only are mice and rats a nuisance, but they are known to spread a variety of dangerous diseases, including Salmonella and Hantavirus."

The top 10 rattiest cities, according to Orkin, are:

1. Chicago, Illinois
2. New York, New York
3. Los Angeles, California
4. Washington, DC
5. San Francisco, California
6. Philadelphia, PA
7. Baltimore, Maryland
8. Cleveland, Ohio
9. Detroit, Michigan
10. Denver, Colorado

Orkin offers the following tips on keeping your property rat-free:

• 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.

See the full list from Orkin here.