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New York Rises to Second Spot, Two Indiana Cities Break into the Top 50

ATLANTA , Oct. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago may soon need to change its name from "The Windy City" to the "Rattiest City," after topping Orkin's Top 50 Rattiest Cities List, yet again. Orkin released the list today, and for the eighth consecutive year, the Midwest city takes the top spot. New York beat out Los Angeles for the #2 ranking and entering the top 20 this year is Hartford, CT , taking the #19 spot, and Miami , rising three spots to secure the #20 spot.

Orkin ranked metro regions by the number of new rodent treatments performed from September 1, 2021 , to August 31, 2022 . This ranking includes both residential and commercial treatments.

2.    New York (+1)

3.    Los Angeles (-1)

4.    Washington, D.C.

5.    San Francisco

7.    Baltimore (-1)

8.    Cleveland, Oh. (+2)

9.    Detroit (-1)

Each fall, mice and other rodents invade an estimated 21 million homes in the United States . They typically enter homes between October and February looking for food, water and shelter from the cold. And unique to previous years, with the influx of outdoor dining structures brought on by the pandemic, rodents have found the perfect place to dine, live and multiply, so consumers should pay extra attention to the attractants that entice rats and mice.

"Rodent infestations are among the top pest issues of the fall and winter seasons," said Ben Hottel , an Orkin entomologist. "Not only are mice and rats a nuisance, but they are known to spread a variety of dangerous diseases, including Salmonella and Hantavirus."

Beyond health issues, rodents can cause severe structural damage with their strong jaws and burrowing skills. They have oversized front teeth for gnawing, and teeth which are adapted for chewing a variety of items including electrical wires, water pipes and gas lines.

Because of the threats that rodents pose, it's important for homeowners to know how to spot an issue in order to take a proactive approach in eliminating them from their homes. A few common signs of a rodent infestation include:

The good news is homeowners can help prevent infestation troubles by taking a proactive approach in eliminating entryways into their home. To help residents avoid the potential health and safety risks associated with rodents, Orkin recommends the following tips:

Using the tips above, homes across the nation can be better equipped to keep rodents out. To effectively control rodent infestations, contact an Orkin Pro who can assess your situation, implement a sound solution that is designed just for your home and monitor for improvements over time. 

For more information about rodent prevention, visit Orkin.com/pests/rodents.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta -based Orkin is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects. Orkin has 358 owned and operated branch offices and 47 franchises in the U.S. The company also has international franchises and subsidiaries in Canada , Europe , Central America , South America , the Caribbean , the Middle East , Asia , the Mediterranean, Africa , and Mexico . For more than 120 years, Orkin has been committed to protecting public health by helping prevent and control pests as well as educating consumers on the potential health risks posed by these pests. As such, Orkin Pros always put the customer first and approach every opportunity with the utmost professionalism and the knowledge and skillset to solve any pest problem. Since 2020, Orkin has partnered with the American Red Cross® to inform the public about the health threats of mosquitoes while boosting our country's blood supply through monetary contributions and blood donations. Orkin is committed to hiring the world's best to help protect the places where we live, work and play. Learn more about careers at Orkin here. Visit Orkin.com for additional information. Orkin is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rollins Inc. (NYSE: ROL). Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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