Detroit has entered the national spotlight for an unwelcome reason: a Terminix study of 2025 pest‑control requests ranks the city among the ten most rat‑infested municipalities in the United States. The Midwest’s largest city moved up from No. 11 last year to a top‑ten spot, joining long‑standing entries such as New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago and Washington, D.C.
How the list was compiled
The ranking is based on service data from more than 300 Terminix branches across the country. Cities where residents most frequently called for rodent‑control assistance were placed on the list, reflecting three common factors identified by the company: large populations, abundant food sources and plentiful hiding places for rodents.
Detroit’s rise on the list
Detroit’s jump into the top ten follows years of resident complaints about rats nesting in vacant buildings and older infrastructure. In a 2023 memorandum obtained by Fox News Digital, then‑city‑council president Mary Sheffield noted that community members repeatedly cited rodent problems during public meetings. “In a recent community meeting that I held, rodent infestations were a main complaint among our residents,” Sheffield said, adding that demolition sites often become new homes for rats.
Mayor’s response and practical steps
Mayor Sheffield’s office was contacted for comment on the new ranking. While a formal statement was not immediately available, the mayor’s earlier remarks underscore the city’s commitment to addressing the issue. Terminix recommends several straightforward actions for homeowners and renters: seal cracks around doors, windows and foundations; store food in airtight containers; and keep living spaces free of crumbs and food residue. “If you live in one of the most rat‑infested cities, these steps can significantly help lower the risk of a rodent infestation,” the company said.
Why rats thrive in Detroit
According to Terminix, Detroit’s older buildings, extensive subway and sewer networks, and numerous vacant lots create ideal habitats for rats and mice. The company explained, “Older buildings, subway systems, and sewer networks provide additional places to travel, hide, and nest.” Combined with the city’s sizable population and the inevitable food waste generated, these conditions give rodents the resources they need to survive and reproduce.
What residents can do now
City officials encourage residents to report severe infestations to local health departments and to work with licensed pest‑control providers. Community groups have also begun organizing neighborhood clean‑up events to reduce litter and eliminate potential food sources. By tackling the problem collectively, Detroit can work toward lowering its ranking in future Terminix reports.
National context
The Terminix list also includes Hartford, Atlanta, Baltimore, Tampa and Sacramento among the top fifteen cities. While the rankings highlight a nationwide challenge, they also point to opportunities for local governments to partner with private pest‑control firms and community organizations to improve public‑health outcomes.
As Detroit confronts this latest public‑health concern, the city’s leadership and residents alike are reminded that proactive maintenance and community vigilance are essential tools in the fight against rodent infestations.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
