West Coast cities top Yelp’s list of most rat-infested cities. Here’s how Portland ranked

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Move over New York, a couple of West Coast cities have taken over the top spots for the most rat-infested cities.

Los Angeles and San Francisco landed in first and second place on Yelp’s list of most rodent-infested cities in the U.S., but Portland wasn’t much further behind.

New York landed in third place, followed by Chicago, Washington DC, Seattle and Dallas. Austin took eighth place, followed by Phoenix and Boston.

Portland came in 11th place for most rodent infestations.

To complete its ranking, Yelp measured the frequency of searches for the word “rodent” per million searches on Yelp.

“Rodent prevention isn’t just a one-time task (unfortunately),” the report says. “As the seasons change, it’s smart to schedule a professional rodent inspection — especially if your home is older or located near parks or wooded areas.”

According to the platform, rodents seek warmth as the temperatures cool down. Sealing gaps or hiring a professional to inspect for potential entry points, including vents, doors, and window frames, can help deter furry visitors.

Removing clutter is also advised, since rodents love nesting in dark areas with materials like cardboard, fabric or newspaper. It also helps to use storage containers with tight-fitting lids, and chew-resistant materials.