Detroit has a growing rat problem, according to a list of the "Top 50 Rattiest Cities" from Orkin pest control.
According to Orkin, Detroit ranks sixth in the United States for 2018. They rank the metro areas by the number of new rodent treatments performed from Sept. 15, 2017, to Sept. 15, 2018.
The Motor City gained a spot after being ranked No. 7 last year, and three spots since they were ranked No. 9 in 2016.
The study comes out around this time every year as fall is the start of rodent season and as the weather gets colder, rats and mice seek out food, shelter and more to survive.
“Rodents don’t need much of an invitation to enter your home,” said Chelle Hartzer, an Orkin entomologist. “A rat can squeeze through an opening as small as a quarter, while a mouse can wedge its way into a hole smaller than a dime.”
Chicago came in at No. 1 for the fourth straight year, while other cities in Michigan include Grand Rapids at No. 39 and Flint at No. 50.
Orkin recommends the following tips to help prevent mice and rats in and around the home:
- Inspect both inside and outside the home for rodent droppings, burrows and rub marks along baseboards and walls. The more quickly rodents are detected, the better.
- Look for possible entry points outside the home, seal all cracks larger than 1/4 of an inch and install weather strips at the bottom of exterior doors.
- Trim overgrown branches, plants and bushes to avoid giving them a “jumping off” point.
- Keep your home clean, inside and out. Clean up crumbs and spills as soon as they happen to avoid leaving food residue or sugary substances that can attract rodents. Store all food (including pet food) in tightly-sealed containers like plastic bins, and never leave food or dishes sitting out overnight.
