Orkin ranks Los Angeles No. 1 for residential rodent treatments

Orkin has placed Los Angeles at No. 1 on its 2026 Rattiest Cities List, with Chicago and New York retaining No. 2 and No. 3 respectively. Announced in Atlanta on Oct. 13, 2026, the ranking draws on new residential rodent treatments across the pest control company’s service markets.

The company, whose US network includes more than 400 owned and operated branch offices and nearly 50 franchises, recorded the largest upward movement in Albuquerque, N.M. The city climbed 12 spots to No. 31, while Nashville, Tenn., and Albany, N.Y., each rose 10 spots.

Treatment data shows shifts beyond the leading cities

Orkin compiled the ranking using all new residential rodent treatments recorded between Aug. 9, 2025, and Aug. 9, 2026. The list therefore reflects treatment activity rather than a count of rat and mouse populations.

Los Angeles retained the leading position after displacing Chicago last year. Orkin attributed conditions favourable to rodents in Los Angeles to its mild weather throughout the year, dense neighbourhoods and ready access to food, water and shelter.

San Francisco remained at No. 4, while Washington, D.C., moved into No. 5. Elsewhere, Nashville reached No. 30 and Albany reached No. 39, contrasting with Hartford, Conn., which fell 12 spots to No. 17, and Greenville, S.C., which dropped 10 spots to No. 40.

California was the most represented state, with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento at No. 21 and San Diego at No. 33 appearing in the Top 50. New entrants included Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Knoxville, Tenn.; Charleston, W. Va.; San Antonio; and Harrisburg, Pa.

Autumn prevention advice accompanies the ranking

Orkin said falling temperatures can push rodents indoors as they seek warmth, food and protected nesting areas. It urged homeowners to check for activity and close potential entry points before problems develop.

“There's no single type of city or climate that's immune to rodent pressure,” said Dr. Shannon Sked, National Technical Director at Orkin. He identified monitoring, building exclusion measures and sanitation as central components of rodent management.

The company’s advice includes sealing cracks and gaps, avoiding food left outdoors for pets or wildlife, reducing clutter and watching for droppings, gnaw marks, burrows or movement noises. It also recommends repairing leaks, removing standing water and checking outdoor rubbish containers for damage.

Prevention services form part of the network’s offer

Alongside treatment, Orkin highlighted its OrkinShield service, which identifies and seals potential entry points around buildings before infestations occur. The company said suspected activity should be addressed promptly because rodent populations can multiply rapidly.

For property operators, the risks outlined by Orkin include damage to walls, wiring and pipes, as well as potential disease transmission. For its service network, the release connects those risks with both early intervention and longer-term prevention.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins Inc. Beyond its US branches and franchises, it operates through international franchises and subsidiaries across markets including Canada, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.