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Roof rats have become a big problem for homeowners living in the Valley of the Sun.With the noticeable increase in the rat population during the past 30 years, it unfortunately appears there is no sign of them leaving the area anytime soon. To help stop roof rats from making your home theirs, it is valuable to understand how they live. Roof rats survive both inside and outside the home, and can easily enter a home through a space as small as a nickel-sized opening. Once inside, rats will find refuge in walls, attics, crawl spaces and even ductwork causing extensive damage. These rodents move quickly and travel easily along vegetation, walls, fencing, utility wires, and roofing shingles. Roof rats are also capable of climbing up a wall and jumping two feet in the air and four feet left or right. They love fruit, but also eat tree bark, lizards, insects, nuts, grains, soap, paper and pet food. As a result, homes that have or are near flood irrigation, citrus or palm trees, or oleanders are highly attractive to rats. Rats are also attracted to vegetable gardens, potted plants, trimmings, garbage and recycling bins, storage sheds or any clutter that may be surrounding a home. The most important preventative measure a homeowner can take is to seal the house before the roof rats can enter their home. City of Mesa suggests using a stucco diamond mesh to screen and seal all holes and vents leading into the home or garden shed. Checking for holes near hot water heaters, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and under sinks would be beneficial and additionally, making sure all cracks outside are sealed using caulking and stuff steel wool in to the air conditioning line that runs from the outside unit into the attic. Other pre-emptive measures to take to stop these roof rats from invading the neighborhood are: • Pick all fruit (ripe or not) on citrus and other fruit and nut trees and pick up any fallen fruit • Keep plants and lawn trimmed and manicured • Don’t leave pet food out, especially overnight • Keep dog feces picked up • Store bulk foods in sealed, rat-proof containers • Keep garbage containers tightly covered Joe LaBrie is operations manager for Bug & Weed Mart, a do-it-yourself retail chain that specializes in bug and weed prevention. To learn more about pest prevention and protection you can visit www.bugweedmart.com or on Facebook www.facebook.com/bugandweedmart.
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