Gilbert and tempe are among the worst in the country for roof rats based on data compiled from more than 300.
Roof rats gilbert arizona.
According to the university of arizona aside from disease transmission roof rats eat and contaminate food chew on household wiring and tear up home insulation.
Why are they so common in the phoenix metro.
There are many reasons for this but one of the primary ones is that the citrus trees in many backyards in the valley provide a consistent food source for rats while attics are generally undisturbed by local.
Phoenix is an ideal habitat for these rats due to the citrus and palm trees taking advantage of the old growth and abundant irrigation canals even in the harsh summer months.
Their ability to easily travel from home to home makes this rodent a headache for homeowners.
Roof rats are small and only need a hole the size of a quarter to squeeze through and get into your attic or home.
Here in southern arizona it is not uncommon to experience consistent summer temperatures above 110 degrees f.
Roof rats are a common pest throughout the phoenix metro and casa grande.
Roof rats in arizona.
Roof rats first invaded the east valley in 2001 in phoenix and from there spread throughout mesa chandler tempe and gilbert.
Also known as the black rat this rodent poses a plague of hazards including the plague.
The rat zapper should be placed close to a roof rat nest or in their runways said ernie henson president and owner of stormin norman termite and pest control.
If you have roof rats or have seen roof rats in your neighborhood call the maricopa county environmental complaint line at 602 506 6616 or log your complaint at www maricopa gov envsvc.
Gilbert and tempe are both in the top 5 for roof rats nationwide.
For rattus rattus the scientific name for what we call roof rats arizona is now home.
Roof rats love warmer temperatures which is why their populations tend to explode during a warm spring.
They re a specialized rat that has adapted to the modern lifestyle of humans here in the desert.
While roof rats are not native to arizona households in the greater phoenix area have reportedly seen an increase of this rodent species in the past few years.
Roof rats are destructive consuming and contaminating stored food and feedstuffs gnawing on wires posing a fire hazard and tearing up insulation for nesting material.
In this blog we ll review some of the signs you have roof rats and when you need to call arizona s best choice for services.
Roof rats as the name implies make their nests in phoenix area attics.
Roof rats can be cautious.