CLEVELAND — This might make your skin crawl a little bit.
Orkin has put out its list of the 'Top 50 Rattiest Cities in America' and unfortunately, Cleveland ranks near the top.
The Cleveland-Akron-Canton metro area has come in at No. 7 in this year's list which ranks metro regions by the number of new rodent treatments performed between September 15, 2018 – September 15, 2019.
Orkin says the ranking includes both residential and commercial treatments.
Here's the Top 10:
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- New York
- Washington, DC (Hagerstown)
- San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose
- Detroit
- Cleveland-Akron (Canton) (+1)
- Minneapolis-St. Paul (+3)
- Philadelphia (-2)
- Atlanta (+5)
Also in Ohio, Columbus ranked No. 21 on the list, Cincinnati came in at No. 23, and Dayton finished at No. 48.
Things may be about to get worse. According to Orkin, during the colder months, rodent activity increases as they seek shelter in warm areas with readily-available food and water. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) adds that 24% of homeowners report mice infestations specifically in the winter.