News Summary
Los Angeles has topped Yelp’s Fall Infestation Index as the most rat-infested city in the U.S. The report cites high demand for rodent services amid environmental factors including droughts. San Francisco and New York City follow in the rankings, highlighting a growing urban pest issue. Residents are advised to take preventive measures against infestations, particularly as cooler weather approaches.
Los Angeles has been declared the most rat-infested city in the United States, according to Yelp’s Fall Infestation Index report. The report shows that Los Angeles has the highest number of Yelp searches for rodent services compared to any other city, indicating a growing concern among residents about rodent infestations in their neighborhoods.
The densely populated areas of Los Angeles provide ample hiding spots for rodents, exacerbated by the ongoing drought conditions in California. These environmental factors have compelled various forms of wildlife, including rodents, to seek food and water sources closer to human habitats, leading to increased sightings and reports of infestations as autumn approaches.
Following Los Angeles, San Francisco ranks second for rodent-related searches on Yelp. New York City, known for its long-standing issues with rats, comes in third. Other cities that made the top five include Chicago and Washington, D.C., all of which have reported significant challenges related to rodent populations. Additional cities within the top 20 include Seattle, Dallas, Austin, Phoenix, Boston, Portland, Philadelphia, Miami, Denver, Las Vegas, Tampa, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Baltimore, and Honolulu, which is noted as the least rat-infested city on the list.
Yelp points out that the average cost of hiring rodent control services typically hovers around $225. However, if an infestation goes unchecked, the associated costs—ranging from property damage to necessary pest control and repairs—can accumulate to several hundred dollars or more. As the weather turns cooler, rodents often seek warmth; this seasonally driven behavior can lead them to enter homes through small gaps and openings around windows or doors.
Given these conditions, Yelp has recommended that homeowners take proactive measures by scheduling professional rodent inspections, especially for older homes or properties near parks or wooded areas where rodents are more likely to dwell.
The methodology used in compiling the Fall Infestation Index involved measuring the frequency of the word “rodent” per million searches on Yelp from August 2024 to July 2025, providing a comparative analysis with data from the previous year. The report highlights the economic impact resulting from rodent infestations, particularly the damage caused to homes and the financial strain of pest control and repairs that can follow.
In summary, as autumn approaches, the combination of environmental factors and the dense urban landscape of Los Angeles has contributed to its recognition as America’s number one hotspot for rodent infestations. Homeowners are advised to take immediate action, whether through professional inspections or preventive measures, to address potential rodent-related issues before they escalate.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- PCT Online
- KTLA News
- Los Angeles Times
- Santa Monica Daily Press
- Wikipedia: Rat
- Google Search: Rodent infestation
- Google Scholar: Rodent infestation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rodent
- Google News: Rodent infestation
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The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
