Environmental Programs -
Dealing with Roof Rats
In 2004, Maricopa County officials confirmed that a roof rat was captured in a trap near Dobson and Guadalupe
roads in
Mesa. Although other areas of the Valley have had roof rats confirmed, this was
the first confirmation of a roof rat in Mesa.
The Maricopa County Environmental Services
Department is the lead agency dealing with
roof rats. To report a possible roof rat
sighting, call Maricopa County
Vector Control at (602) 506-6616.
Select language preference and then press
option 4 to access the complaint line.
Finally, select option 2 to report complaint
or to speak to a county representative. Please
provide your name, address, telephone number
and the location of the sighting.
One of the most effective strategies to
control roof rats is to eliminate potential
nesting and breeding areas. Roof rats prefer
shaded areas with standing water and a ready
food source (they are plant eaters). Specific
actions that can be taken include:
- remove fruit and nuts from the ground,
- keep garbage containers covered,
- keep pet waste cleaned from the yard,
- store bulk foods, including pet food, in
a sealed, rat-proof container,
- harvest citrus promptly and completely.
- prune shrubs so that the ground below
them is clearly visible
- mow, trim or remove groundcover plants
that grow over one foot in height
- stack firewood, lumber and other
materials at least one foot away from
walls and fences and at least 18 inches
from the ground
-
Further tips!
In a joint partnership with Maricopa County, the City of Mesa is
providing roof rat bait stations at no charge to residents to place
on their property. To obtain a bait station, residents can stop by
the Solid Waste Management Department, 730 N. Mesa Drive, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Limit of two stations per household.
Instructions on bait station use
will be provided. For additional information about bait station availability,
call (480) 644-2688 or contact a local pest control
professional to determine the best course of action.
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