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Last updated on Tuesday, October 14, 2014
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indianapolis is a top 20 city in a list most would rather it not be included.
Pest control company Orkin released its "Rattiest Cities" list Monday, placing Indianapolis as the 19th rattiest city in the U.S.
The ranking comes from the number of rodent treatments the company performed in each city in 2013.
Generally, larger cities dominate the list, including Atlanta, Denver and Dallas.
The top 10 includes Miami, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.
Chicago ranked as the rattiest.
Fall is primetime for rodent invasions. Orkin estimated that rats and mice invade 21 million American homes each fall.
"Commensal rodents depend on humans and their resources to survive, so unless residents and city officials take proactive steps to prevent rodents, infestations can easily get out of hand," said Dr. Ron Harrison, an entomologist who also works with Orkin.
Rodents spread diseases through urine, droppings and bites. Young children and pregnant women face more serious risks when exposed to rodents.
Rodents found in homes are most commonly in kitchens.
Mice and rats are able to squeeze through a hole as small as a quarter, and they often make holes bigger so others can sneak in.
To keep rodents out, people should regularly inspect the outside of their home for rodent dropping or evidence of burrowing.
Gaps and cracks around doors should be sealed. Overgrown bushes and plants should be trimmed from around homes.
All food inside and outside the home, including pet food, should be sealed in containers.
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