For the sixth time in a row, Chicago has been deemed the ‘rattiest’ city in the United States.
Pest control company Orkin issued a press release last week that said Chicago had the greatest number of new rodent treatments performed from Sept. 1, 2019, to Aug. 31, 2020, including both residential and commercial treatments.
“Rats have taken to the streets of Chicago, yet again,” Orkin wrote.
“In an unprecedented year, the visibility of rodents has increased, creating concern for homeowners and business owners alike,” the pest control company continued. “As reported in the Spring, the pandemic-driven closure of restaurants forced rodents to find new food sources. Without food waste to consume, these pests were seen scavenging new areas and exhibiting unusual or aggressive behavior.”
In the spring, several cities reported “hordes of rats” filling the deserted streets in the early days of the coronavirus-induced lockdowns, primarily attributed to the abrupt closure of restaurants and bars that typically generate waste for the rats to eat.
“The presence of rodents became so relevant that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued Rodent Control guidance on ways to keep rats and mice out of homes and businesses,” Orkin added.
Orkin also warned that the approaching winter would only exacerbate these trends as the rodents “seek shelter in warm areas with available food and water. As the U.S. population spends more time at home this season, residents should pay extra attention to the attractants that entice rats and mice.”
Coming behind Chicago in the ‘rattiest cities’ count are Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. Baltimore entered the top 10 this year, coming in at eighth. Coming in last place on the list was West Palm Beach, Florida.
