New York City ranked as most rodent-infested U.S. city

Pest control company Terminix has released its annual ranking of the most rodent-infested cities in the United States, based on service demand data from over 300 branches in 2025. New York City holds the top position, followed by Los Angeles and Philadelphia.

Detroit has entered the top 10 for the first time, moving up from the 11th position. Other cities appearing in the top 10 include Houston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Boston, and Dallas. The report notes that high-density populations, abundant food sources, and available nesting sites are primary drivers of infestations. Additionally, extreme temperatures can drive rodents indoors, increasing sightings in residential and commercial areas.

While the Terminix rankings differ slightly from those released by Orkin, both companies identify similar major cities as having high rodent activity. Experts suggest that early signs of infestation include unusual droppings, gnawed food packaging, or damage to wires and structures.