“As Orkin’s annual Top 50 Rattiest Cities List enters its second decade, a new city is claiming the top spot for the first time in the list’s history. Chicago’s decade-long reign at No 1 is over, with Los Angeles knocking the Windy City off its long-held perch. In true Hollywood fashion, Los Angeles has taken center stage. With year-round warm weather, a booming culinary scene and dense neighborhoods that offer ample access to food and shelter, the City of Angels checks every box for rodent survival. From bustling commercial corridors to hidden alleyways, Los Angeles’ signature blend of glam and grit creates a perfect storm for rodent activity,” says a new press release from Orkin pest control that sounds almost like a real estate pitch brochure for rats if they could read.
“The shake-up in rankings signals a shift in rodent activity, likely influenced by weather patterns, urban infrastructure and human behavior. While Chicago has held the top spot since the list’s inception, this year’s data shows other major cities are seeing increased pressure, particularly as more moderate climates improve rodent survival rates and urban sprawl opens new pathways for infestations,” the triumphal story of feral rodent gentrification in the City of Angels continued.