As temperatures begin to drop, rats and mice may start looking for warmer places to shelter, and Atlanta ranks among the U.S. cities with the highest levels of rodent activity, according to a new Terminixreport.
Atlanta ranked No. 12 nationwide on Terminix’s annual list of theTop 50 Most Rodent-Infested Cities, based on data from more than 300 Rentokil-owned Terminix branches across the country.
The company said its ranking uses data on where residents most frequently used rodent-control services in 2025 within its designated service areas.
Atlanta moved down two spots from last year, but remained among the top 15 cities on the list.
Why are rodents active in Atlanta?
According to Terminix, cities with high levels of rat and mouse activity often share several characteristics: large
populations, plentiful food sources and places where rodents can hide.
Urban areas can provide rodents with access to food waste, dumpsters, alleys and parks. Older buildings, sewer networks and other structures can also provide places for rodents to travel, hide and nest.
Terminix also noted that extreme temperatures can push rodents indoors in search of shelter, potentially increasing activity around homes and businesses.
What are the signs of rats or mice in your home?
Rodents can sometimes remain hidden, but Terminix said there are several signs homeowners can watch for.
One of the most common is droppings, according to Chad Gore, an entomologist and Terminix market technical director.
Other signs include:
- Small droppings in drawers, cabinets and along walls
- Holes or gnaw marks in food packaging
- Chewed wires or floor molding
- Urine stains in corners, drawers or cabinets
- Footprints or tail marks in dust
- Nesting material such as chewed paper, cardboard or insulation
- Scratching or thumping sounds coming from walls
How can Georgia homeowners keep rodents out?
Terminix recommends several steps homeowners can take to make their homes less attractive to rats and mice.
- Homeowners can seal cracks and openings around doors, windows and foundations using durable materials.
- Food should be stored in airtight containers, while crumbs and food residue should be cleaned up promptly.
- Keep garbage in tightly sealed bins and organizing cluttered storage areas to reduce potential nesting locations.
The company said rodents can also chew through electrical wires and contaminate food and surfaces, making prevention important for homeowners.
Atlanta ranks among the top 15 U.S. cities
Atlanta was one of several major Southern cities appearing on Terminix's list.
The top 15 cities were:
- New York, New York
- Los Angeles, California
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- San Francisco, California
- Houston, Texas
- Chicago, Illinois
- Washington, D.C.
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Dallas, Texas
- Detroit, Michigan
- Hartford, Connecticut
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Tampa, Florida
- Sacramento, California
Terminix said the top of the ranking has remained largely consistent in recent years, with New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and San Francisco retaining the top four spots. Houston moved into the top five this year.
For Atlanta homeowners, the No. 12 ranking comes as fall temperatures begin to arrive and rodents may seek shelter indoors.
For the full report, visit terminix.com/rodents/top-rodent-cities.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia, covering food and entertainment. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Terminix ranks this Georgia city top 10 worst for rat infestations
