New data from local business review company Yelp says the nation’s rattiest cities have moved west, with California claiming the top two most infested spots.
“Los Angeles earned the unenviable title of America’s #1 rodent hotspot, with more Yelp searches for rodent services than any other city,” Yelp reports in its Fall Infestation Index.
The City of Angels’ densely populated neighborhoods provide great hiding spots for rodents, according to the Index.
Yelp explained that it measured the frequency of the word “rodent” per million searches on Yelp, comparing August 2024–July 2025 vs. August 2023–July 2024, to compile its data. The Index also analyzed rodent-related searches within the United States between January 2022 and July 2025.
Just behind Los Angeles on the rodent rankings list was San Francisco. “Older architecture and concentrated neighborhoods creates ideal conditions for these critters to find entry points and shelter,” the Yelp report says.
New York City, as well-known for its rat problems as its pro sports teams, came in third on the list.
The top 20 cities for rodent services, according to Yelp, are ranked and mapped on the image below:
The report recommends clearing clutter and reducing hiding spots to deter the tiny intruders.
“Rodents love dark, cluttered spaces, especially when they’re filled with nesting materials like cardboard, fabric, or old newspapers. Regularly inspect your storage areas for signs like shredded material, gnaw marks, droppings, or odd smells. Decluttering also removes hiding spots and makes it easier to notice early signs of a problem,” the report states.
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