Terminix’s ranking of the 50 U.S. cities most affected by rodent-related service calls shows New York City on top and Los Angeles close behind, with Philadelphia rising to No. 3 in the latest list.

Detroit’s climb into the top 10 marks a notable shift, moving from 11th to 10th place, while other major hubs like New York and Los Angeles remain at the top and Philadelphia advances.

The report sources Terminix for the city rankings and the CDC for health-risk context, with Orlando serving as the report’s origin and Fox 29 as the outlet reporting it.

Health risks from rats and mice are highlighted, including disease transmission through handling, inhalation of contaminated air, or consuming contaminated food, with infestation signs such as droppings and gnaw marks.

Common drivers across top cities include large populations, abundant food sources, and hiding places like dumpsters, alleys, parks, and urban infrastructure that provide nesting sites.

Older buildings, subway systems, and sewer networks are cited as factors that increase rodent access to food and shelter in dense urban areas.

Preventive steps urged by Terminix and echoed by the CDC focus on eliminating food and water sources, sealing entry points, storing food in airtight containers, proper waste management, and reducing clutter to limit nesting space.

Residents are advised to seal cracks around doors, windows, and foundations, keep living spaces clean and crumb-free, and use sealed garbage bins to curb infestations.

Beyond the top cities, other urban areas such as Hartford, Atlanta, Baltimore, Tampa, and Sacramento are noted to indicate broader metropolitan challenges.

The report provides readers with context on urban rodent challenges and practical prevention measures for those in rat-infested areas.

Winter weather is highlighted as a trigger that drives rodents indoors for shelter, increasing activity and visibility in cities.

The 2025 ranking was based on data from more than 300 Terminix branches nationwide and reflects service demand rather than a direct public health assessment.