This is the Most Rat Infested City in the U.S. — a Title It’s Held for a Decade

Vermin aren’t the first thing you think of when considering where to relocate, but perhaps they should be. Rats populate major cities alongside people, with some of America’s top destinations hosting millions of these pests.

Where is the most rat-infested city in America, and why do so many rats call this place home? We’re going to name the rattiest city in the U.S. and uncover what’s being done to control these rodent populations.

The Windy City is the Most Rat-Infested City (For an Entire Decade!)

According to the popular pest control company, Orkin, Chicago is America’s most rat-infested city and has held this title for an entire decade. It’s unclear how many rats currently populate the Windy City, but hundreds of thousands of complaints are filed with Chicago’s animal control department every year.

Many would argue that one rat in a home is already too many rats. This is a reasonable perspective, as rats rarely appear alone. One thing is certain: there’s simply no telling just how many rats live in America’s most rat-infested city. But why does Chicago have so many rats in the first place?

Why Are There So Many Rats in Chicago?

There are many theories as to why Chicago is seemingly overrun with rats. While Chicago’s winters aren’t particularly balmy, a recent trend in milder temperatures may be one reason the population remains stable. All cities have rats, but Chicago’s many alleys, waterways, and suburbs ensure rats always have a safe place to retreat to at the end of the day.

Trash is the main reason rats spend time in bustling metropolises. Their relationship with humans is dependent; rats adapt to seek food at all costs. Trash and food from people’s homes are the primary sources of sustenance for rats. This is one reason why rats have become more prevalent in Chicago’s suburbs since the COVID-19 pandemic. As restaurants closed, rats found far more sustenance further away from the city center.

Types of Rats Taking Over Chicago

There is one specific type of rat running rampant through Chicago’s streets: the Norway rat. Despite its name, the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) originated in Asia, brought to the U.S. via ships centuries past. The Norway rat is known by many names, including the brown rat, wharf rat, common rat, and aptly-named sewer rat.

The roof rat (Rattus rattus) also exists in Chicago, though not to the same extent as the Norway rat. Commonly known as the black or house rat, the roof rat differs from brown rats in size and behavior. Roof rats are typically smaller than brown rats and, as their name implies, they prefer higher hiding spots compared to the sewer rat’s moist, underground homes.

The Impact and Consequences of Chicago’s Rat Infestation

Countless complaints and stories about Chicago’s rat problem surface every year. The costs of all of the infrastructural damage and staffing for Chicago’s rodent hotline are in the millions. There are also millions of dollars in unpaid rodent fines and fees throughout the city, typically fines meant for apartment complexes and business suites. Landlords are remiss to pay for a problem that seems unsolvable.

Because of a lack of support, many Chicago residents are feeling the psychological toll of the rat population. Apartments are infested without hope; homemade rat traps only help so much. Some residents have reportedly caught nearly 50 rats in a single summer after spotting tell-tale signs of damage. Others have lost dogs due to leptospirosis, one of the few diseases rats actually carry.

Some Chicago neighborhoods are worse than others, with more complaints coming from the Clearing and West Lawn boroughs. Overall though, an estimated 500,000 complaints have been made to Chicago’s rodent hotline over the past decade– with no signs of slowing down.

What’s Being Done About Chicago’s Rat Infestation?

The city of Chicago claims it no longer has a rat infestation due to its proactive approach in eradicating the brown rat’s presence. The city has taken many steps and spread awareness about its rat problems, making it easy for residents to call Chicago’s rodent hotline should they spy one of these invasive creatures.

Chicago’s Bureau of Rodent Control “investigates every reported rat sighting”, asking residents to do their parts in curbing the infestation. Keeping trash covered and secure ensures rats opt for poisoned bait over snacks from the garbage. However, Chicago’s overzealous use of rodenticide poses its own set of problems.

Not only does rodenticide kill a small percentage of the rat population, but Chicago’s other wildlife species suffer too. The poison lingers in the rat’s body long enough to also poison predators who consume the rat, such as feral cats and birds. Other rodents also consume the poisoned bait more readily than rats, as rats deem unfamiliar things as threats.

Using feral cats has led to a decline in songbirds and other wildlife populations. Plus, they are at risk when it comes to the harmful effects of rodenticide. Besides attempting to stop millions of rats from invading trash cans, what can Chicago do to curb their rat infestation?

Rat Birth Control May Be Chicago’s Answer

Recent studies reveal the potential of rat birth control solving the Windy City’s vermin problem. Special Service Area No. 33 is an organization in Chicago dedicated to multiple programs designed to better the city. One recent program has been the unveiling of rat birth control throughout Chicago’s boroughs.

Developed by SenesTech, “Evolve”, is a product containing cottonseed oil, a non-lethal plant product that inhibits reproduction in both male and female rats. By replacing rat poison with birth control, Chicago hopes to better all animals and residents within its limits. While it is currently being tested in a small radius, this product may be the answer America’s most rat-infested city needs.