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Looks like the rats are moving up in the world, and they’ve apparently made themselves right at home here in Minnesota. A new report just pushed one city into the nation’s Top 10 Rattiest Cities, proving even the cold can’t keep these furry freeloaders away. Minnesota City Climbs Into the Top 10 Rattiest in America Think rats are only a big-city problem in places like New York or Chicago? Think again, because one city here in the Gopher State just leveled up on the list of the most rat-infested spots in the entire country. While we certainly have our pests here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes (I'm talking about you, mosquitoes and gnats), Minnesota is somewhat lucky in that our cold climate makes it less likely to find other types of pests, like cockroaches or scorpions. Sure, there are cockroaches in Minnesota, but not to the degree that there are in many other cities and states. ALSO INTERESTING: This MN City Is Among the Most Bed Bug-Infested in the US Now, while you might associate rats with bigger cities like New York, Philadelphia, or Chicago, did you know that rats can, in fact, be found right here in the North Star State, too? The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says that there are two types that are most common here in our neck of the woods: Old world rats and mice are represented in Minnesota by the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the house mouse (Mus musculus). Both species are capable of producing several litters a year and are notorious for damaging property. Minneapolis Just Ranked Among America’s Rattiest Cities So, I guess it makes sense then that this Minnesota city was just ranked in the top ten of the 2025 list of the Top 50 Rattiest Cities in the entire country. The list, commissioned by Orkin, was compiled by 'tracking new rodent services in owner-occupied residences from August 20, 2024, to August 21, 2025,' the survey said, 'offering a snapshot of the cities with the highest levels of reported activity.' So which Minnesota city made the list? That'd be the North Star State's largest city of Minneapolis, which landed at #9 on the Orkin 'Rattiest City' list this year Minneapolis actually jumped up two spots this year, having been ranked at #11 on the list in 2024. Curiously, no other Minnesota cities made the list this year, but three cities behind the Cheddar Curtain over in my home state of Wisconsin did: Milwaukee placed the highest in America's Dairyland, at #16, while Madison came in at #44, and Eau Claire made the list at #46. How to Keep Rats and Mice Out of Your Minnesota Home Previous surveys have noted that a serious rat or mouse problem is not only a nuisance but can also be a health hazard to your home. They can chew through wires, contaminate food, and transmit diseases. Their droppings can also contain harmful bacteria and parasites. To prevent mice and rats from entering your home, here’s what you can do: Seal possible entry points, such as cracks and openings around doors, windows, and foundations, using durable materials. Store food in airtight containers to reduce attraction. Keep your living spaces clean, promptly removing crumbs and food residues. Regularly dispose of garbage in tightly sealed bins to minimize food sources. Organize cluttered storage areas to limit potential nesting sites.
