What city in the U.S. has the most rats and mice?

Key takeaways

• Rodents are most active in fall and winter: As temperatures drop, rats and mice seek warmth and shelter indoors, making prevention crucial.
• East Coast cities are hotspots: Ehrlich identified the 50 most rodent-infested cities on the East Coast, including Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Pittsburgh.
• Rodents can cause damage and pose health risks: They can chew through wires, insulation, and structural materials, and carry diseases, such as ectoparasites like fleas and mites, which may also bite people and pets.
• Prevention is key: Seal entry points, store food securely, reduce clutter, and schedule regular inspections to minimize the risk of an infestation.
• Professional help ensures safety and effectiveness: If you suspect rodent activity or see live rodents, Ehrlich experts can identify entry points and create a customized rodent control plan for your home.

As temperatures drop in fall and winter, rodents, like rats and mice, start seeking warmth and shelter indoors. Using service data from all of our branches, Ehrlich has identified the top 50 East Coast cities with the highest number of rodent control services. Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Pittsburgh are among the most rodent-infested cities.

Marc Potzler, one of Ehrlich’s board-certified entomologists, stated, “I have seen a massive increase in the number of severe rodent infestations in the Northeast over the last few years. Rodent activity is on the rise for sure.” Check if your city made the list, and learn how to stay protected from rodents.

If you see rodent signs in your home, don’t wait for the problem to grow. Contact Ehrlich today for professional mouse and rat control.

What city has the most rats and mice on the East Coast?

Rodent populations often spike in the fall and winter, but several factors are making the problem worse. Human activity in dense cities creates easy access to food and shelter, while warmer winters and shifting weather patterns caused by climate change allow mice and rats to breed longer throughout the year.

Here are the top 50 most rodent-infested cities on the East Coast*:

Tips to prevent rodent infestations

Rats and mice aren’t just a nuisance–they can cause various problems for homeowners. They can chew through wires, insulation, and structural materials, leading to costly damage. Potzler added, “A very large percentage of unexplained structural fires are attributed to rodents gnawing on wires.”

There are also various diseases rats can carry and spread to humans through droppings, urine, and contaminated food. Mice and rats also commonly gnaw into food packages, contaminating much more than they actually consume. That’s why prevention is key to keeping you and your family protected. 

Here are a few tips that can help prevent these persistent pests: 

1. Seal potential entry points: Seal gaps, cracks, and openings around doors, windows, vents, utility lines, and other potential entry points. 
2. Store food securely: Keep human and pet food in airtight containers and promptly clean up crumbs and spills.
3. Eliminate clutter: Keep basements, attics, and garages organized and clear of debris to reduce potential nesting spots.
4. Maintain your yard: Trim vegetation, stack firewood away from the house, and remove debris where rodents might hide. Don’t leave pet food or waste outside overnight.
5. Schedule regular inspections: Routine inspections by our rodent exterminators can help catch early signs of activity before a severe infestation develops.

What to do if you find rodents in your home 

If you notice signs of rats or mice in your home, or live in one of the most rodent-infested cities, and want peace of mind, our experts can help. Ehrlich professionals can identify how rodents are getting in, determine the severity of the infestation, and create a customized rat or mouse control plan tailored to your home and needs. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection! 

*The cities listed are based on Nielsen’s Designated Market Areas (DMAs). A DMA may include multiple nearby cities and surrounding suburbs that function as one larger media market. For this reason, some entries may list more than one city together