Nashville and Knoxville Rank Among Top Rattiest Cities

Nashville and Knoxville residents should inspect homes for pest entry points as winter weather drives rodents indoors.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Home Cleaning

Gouache-painted illustration of a red brick foundation crevice, representing residential pest-proofing needs for winter home maintenance. — Nashville and Knoxville have been named among the top 50 'rattiest' cities in the U.S. by Orkin, prompting calls for winter pest-proofing. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is the prevalence of rats in your city becoming a significant issue for your community?

Nashville and Knoxville have both landed on the annual 2026 Rattiest Cities List released by Orkin. Nashville climbed 10 spots to reach number 30, while Knoxville makes its first appearance on the top 50 list at number 45.

Why it matters

Rodent activity often increases as seasonal temperatures drop, making this a critical time for homeowners to secure their properties. Orkin's annual rankings highlight cities with high volumes of residential treatment requests, signaling a need for increased vigilance.

Nashville secured the 30th spot among 50 cities, an increase of 10 positions compared to its 2025 ranking. Knoxville appears in the top 50 for the first time, debuting at number 45.

The players

Orkin

A national pest control service provider that releases annual rodent activity rankings based on its residential service data.

The details

Rankings are determined by the volume of new residential rodent treatments performed by Orkin between August 9, 2025, and August 9, 2026. As temperatures cool, rodents typically migrate from outdoor environments to seek food and shelter inside residential structures. Preventing infestations often involves sealing potential entry points around foundations and utility lines to keep pests out during the winter months.

Data for the 2026 rankings were collected from August 9, 2025, through August 9, 2026.
Orkin published the official 2026 Rattiest Cities List on October 13, 2026.

The Home Front

Orkin's annual Rattiest Cities List tracks shifting residential pest trends across the country. These rankings serve as a barometer for how regional environmental changes and urban growth correlate with increased demand for professional rodent control.

Homeowners should perform a seasonal inspection of their exterior, specifically checking for gaps around foundation vents, pipes, and garage doors. If you suspect an active infestation, contact a licensed pest control professional to safely assess and treat your home.

The takeaway

As temperatures drop, focus your maintenance efforts on securing home entry points before pests move indoors for the winter. Keep your foundation perimeter clear of debris and vegetation to limit nesting opportunities near your living space.