Surprising! Several Michigan Cities Among Most Rat Infested in U.S.

Rats are a big city problem. New York, Chicago, LA and others, right? We don't have to worry about that here, right?

Not so fast Orkin Man! Turns out we do have to worry about it.

Shockingly, Grand Rapids and Kent County rate right up there as one of the most rat and rodent infested cities and counties in the country!

Ouch! We, Grand Rapids and Kent County, ranked number 9 in the U.S. with over 16 percent of homes with rodent problems, meaning nearly 43,000 homes with a problem, according to Cinch who analyzed US Census data available in the American Housing Survey.

Just three years ago Orkin published their list of America's 'rattiest' cities in America. Fox2 Detroit.com wrote about this with Detroit coming in at number 9, Grand Rapids at number 31 and Flint number 40! Yikes!

By the way, Chicago and New York were number one and two, respectively.

 👇 BELOW: FIND OUT WHICH STATE IS THE RATTIEST 👇

THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM!

Fox2 Detroit.com reported Ben Hottel, an Orkin entomologist, said:

"Rodent infestations are among the top pest issues of the fall and winter seasons. Not only are mice and rats a nuisance, but they are known to spread a variety of dangerous diseases, including Salmonella and Hantavirus."

Fall and winter are a good time for these awful little critters to find a way into your home.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM

Orkin says:

• Droppings: Rodent droppings are often left behind in places where food is stored, such as kitchen cabinets or pantries, and under sinks.
• Gnaw marks: Mice are known to bite through walls, wood and wires. 
• Nests: Rodents prefer to nest in dark, secluded areas where there is little chance of disturbance. Be on the lookout for shredded paper products, cotton, packing materials and other fabrics.
• Rub marks: Rats tend to leave dark grease or dirt marks along walls and floorboards.
• Strange noises: Scurrying in the walls or in the attic could mean a rodent family is present. 

Take action quickly and protect your home and family!