America’s perennial struggle against rodent infestations has a new contender in the top 10, with Detroit making its debut on Terminix’s annual ranking of the nation’s most rat-infested cities. The list, compiled from pest control service data across over 300 branches nationwide in 2025, sees established urban centers like New York and Los Angeles holding their traditional top spots, while Philadelphia climbs to third. Alongside returning cities such as Houston, Chicago, and Washington D.C., Detroit’s surprising ascent from the 11th position signals a growing concern for the Midwest. This development mirrors past resident complaints in Detroit, where city officials have previously noted that demolition sites often become havens for rat populations. Terminix attributes these infestations to a trifecta of factors common to all ranked cities: large populations generating ample food waste, abundant food sources in urban environments like alleys and parks, and numerous hiding places including older buildings and sewer systems, highlighting the need for proactive prevention measures such as sealing entry points and maintaining cleanliness to mitigate the risk.
Adapted from: Travel News Today on Fox News
