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:

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The Museum of Contemporary Art, Feb. 15, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

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A young man is not so sure about this flaming concrete that a karate master will attempt to break with his bare hands at the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

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Terrance Robertsts leads protesters in chants calling for an end to police violence on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver, July 19, 2020.

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Don Richardson receives a COVID-19 vaccine at a pop-up clinic at Servicios De La Raza in Denver's West Colfax neighborhood. Jan. 30, 2021.

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Inside Denver International Airport's C concourse. July 7, 2020.

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The Gang goes out for prime rib at the City Park Golf Course Tavern. Feb. 26, 2021.

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We're food reviewers now.

Michell Jeske, city librarian for Denver Public Library, inside the central branch. (Denver Public LIbrary)

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Axton Ranch. Photo courtesy of the city's parks and recreation department.

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Thomas Padilla sits inside of his One Stop Bike Shop on Morrison Road. Feb. 23, 2021.

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Miguel "Angel" Harlston processes ballots inside Denver Elections Division headquarters on election day, May 7, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

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A historic marker in LoDo that details the "Chinese Riot of 1880." Feb. 25, 2021.

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