Roof Rats
I get asked all the time where did roof rats come from and how long have they been here in Phoenix? So I did a little research and found that Roof rats were first discovered in east Phoenix Arcadia neighborhoods in 2002 according to the official City of Phoenix website. However, I found roof rats just a few miles north of Arcadia in Paradise Valley along 48th Street in 2000. I believe that roof rats were transported into Paradise Valley in a moving crate as someone moved into their new home, and as the populations grew, it didn’t take long for the roof rats to discover the Arcadia area with all the orange groves, and it was like heaven on earth for roof rats. Roof rats are not native to Arizona would have been transported to Phoenix from an area in the country where they are common. Roof rats can carry disease, but those found to date in Maricopa County have not been disease carriers. Roof rats are known to be destructive, gnawing through wiring, defecating everywhere they go and destroying citrus and other fruit. They are generally active at night, during the spring months and in the fall as evening temperatures start to cool down, however we have found that more and more calls are coming in on a regular basis. Not only have we found roof rats at homes in Phoenix, but also in Chandler, Awatukee, Glendale, Peoria and Scottsdale. Also, we are starting to find that commercial buildings are having issues with roof rats as well, and believe it or not, they are not only partial to the fruit trees in yards, they love Reeses Peanut Butter cups and candy that people leave on their desks, as well as crackers, cookies, and any food stuffs. You wouldn’t believe how much food people can store in a desk at work!
If you would like to do more research on roof rats, visit the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension website by clicking here.
What can I do to prevent roof rats?
One of the most important immediate steps you can take is the removal and control of potential food supplies including citrus and other fruit, pet and bird food, garbage and at work all food in the desks. Another step is reduce potential harborages and landscaping overgrowth from your property, and keep trees trimmed away from the structure as rodents will run along the branches and jump on the house. Residents can also work with a pest control companies on prevention measures to exclude entry to your homes. Phoenix Exterminator, Invader Pest Management, can take aggressive measures to reduce and eliminate your roof rat problems, however the best advice we can give to home and business owners is to call us immediately upon suspecting a rodent issue, if you are hearing noises in your walls or attics, or finding droppings anywhere on your property, don’t wait for roof rats to move in. Seal or screen all holes or potential access points into the structure, get rid of the food sources, trap and remove the roof rats before they start reproducing, because the longer you wait the worse the problem gets!
For all you Pest, Termite, Roof Rat, Pigeon and Weed Control issues Call Invader Pest Management at 623-435-0228 or schedule an appointment for a Free Pest Assessment of your property ON-LINE at www.invader.net
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
nice going
I can’t imagine a rat on my roof! It is such a horrible thing. Anyways, you listed nice tips for getting rid of rats. I believe if the situation gets out of control then one should instantly approach professional pest control service providers. I usually depend on Kilter Termite & Pest Control for this process as they really provide great services. Moreover, they even provide free advice and affordable prices.