Denver is the 10th most rat-infested city in the country

This is what they don’t tell you about being an up-and-coming city.

Megan Arellano

Oct. 17, 2016, 3:22 p.m.

Among the many national lists that Denver is climbing is Orkin’s rattiest cities list. This is what they don’t tell you about being an up-and-coming city.

Back in 2014, Denver was 12th on Orkin’s list. Now, the city is 10th for the number of rodent treatments the company performed from October 2015 to September 2016.

If that creeps you out, bad news! Fall is the start of rodent season. Here’s some more information that will give you the heebie jeebies.

“Rats can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter, while mice can fit through a hole the size of a dime,” John Kane, entomologist and Technical Director of Orkin’s Midwest Region said.

To prevent this, Orkin has a list of tips that essentially amount to do your best to seal your home. And if you think you’re safe because you don’t live on the ground, rats can climb and here’s a video to illustrate their truly nauseating powers:

Jazoni Johnson leads the Platinum Diva's Denver's Juneteenth Parade. June 19, 2021.

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The newly renovated Denver Public Library Byers Branch on Santa Fe Drive. June 18, 2021.

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Juneteenth on Welton Street, June 15, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

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Phil Washington, Mayor Michael Hancock's pick for CEO of DIA. Photo courtesy of the City and County.

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Jadakiss plays a free show during Five Points' annual Juneteenth celebration, June 16, 2018. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

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Robin Cothley, with Denver Indian Health and Family Services, prepares a Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine during the talking circle at Governor's Park. June 10, 2021.

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Lucy Wang snaps a photo as clouds and haze from two nearby fires hang over the hills near State Highway 93 in Boulder County. Oct. 18, 2020.

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The Five Points Outdoor Mural Gallery at Five Points Plaza on Welton Street. June 15, 2021.

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