Let me state this from the jump. I don’t like any type of rodent. It’s a hard no for me. Folks love to argue with me that mice and rats are different. In theory, yes but they are both rodents. So, needless to say, I was somewhat shocked at the results from Orkin’s “Rattiest Cities” list.

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Yuck.

According to Orkin, rodents are capable of doing some harm and damage to our lives. Here are a few examples:

“Beyond structural damage, there are multiple health issues associated with rodents, and during a time of continued heightened awareness around virus transmission, preventing rodents and the harmful pathogens they carry is critical.”

 

Plague of rats trying to escape
Mario De Moya F
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“Rodents are capable of contaminating food through pathogens that can cause food poisoning or Leptospirosis. They can also spread diseases such as Hantavirus and Plague, specifically in the Western U.S., both of which while uncommon, can be fatal.”

 

 

Did Alabama Make the Rattiest Cities List?

I was somewhat in disbelief that New York was NOT at the tippy top of the list. Congratulations to Chicago for holding down that slot. The top 5 cities were:

#1 – Chicago

#2 – Los Angeles

#3 – New York

#4 – Washington, D.C.

#5 – San Francisco

I’m giving the side-eyes to San Fran because years ago when I visited I felt like it was super clean.

Now, on to the South

Bracing myself for there to be tons of cities from the South on this list, I was pleasantly shocked that only 10 cities from what I consider “southern” states made the list.  Here are the southern states that made Orkin's list were:

#15 – Atlanta, GA

#18 – Houston, TX

#20 – Dallas, TX

#23 – Miami, FL

#33 – New Orleans, LA

#35 – Raleigh, NC

#39 – Burlington, VA

#40 – Louisville, KY

#42 – Charlotte, NC

#44 - Greenville, SC

I’ve lived in Greenville and Charlotte and NEVER saw one rat. So, I’m baffled by those statistics.

Did you notice that Alabama WAS NOT on the list? I’m so proud of us. Let’s keep up the good work!

We are “Rat” Less in Alabama

Kinda.

(Source) Click here for more information from Orkin.

Alabama’s Top 20 Fastest Growing Cities

25 Best Towns to Raise a Family in Alabama

Quirkiest Street Names in Alabama

5 Changes I Would Make if I was the Queen of Tuscaloosa, Alabama

 

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