Scottsdale Packrat Infestation

 Many Arizona communities, most notably those of the North Scottsdale area have been especially hard hit by packrats (Neotoma albigula).  Packrats are native to Arizona and do millions of dollars in damage to homes and vehicles annually.  Packrats damage attic insulation, wiring, roof underlayment, hot tubs, BBQs, and landscaping plants.  Many homeowners are unaware of infestations because attic insulation often muffles the sounds.  Rodent Proof L.L.C. specializes in all types of rodent issues, offering free estimates and special group discount rates for most services.   

The following are several suggestions to consider as individual homeowners and as a community when dealing with packrats: 

1.  Don’t Give Rats a Place to Live:  Packrat nests are piles of sticks, cactus parts, and debris that range in size from 1 to 3 feet and may contain several rats each.  Removing these nests, which are often present in cactus patches or bushes, can go a long way in reducing packrat numbers on a community scale. Consult a professional (such as Rodent Proof L.L.C.) before removing these nests as they could represent a considerable health risk and contain numerous parasites.    

2.  Rodent Proof Your Home:  Keeping rats out of your home is foremost in preventing material damage and is ultimately the most humane and cost effective solution available. It is important that each structure be considered individually, so that actions specific to each structure may be taken, ensuring ongoing success in keeping rodents where they belong: outside.

3.  Don’t use poison unless your home has been Rodent Proofed:  If you are using poison and your house has not been sealed, it is not a question of whether rodents will die in the walls or attic; it is simply a question of when.  Using professional grade rodenticides is recommended to prevent damage to tile roofs, landscaping, or vehicles, but only if rats are fully excluded from the structure. 

4.  Don’t feed the birds:  Birds go to the feeders during the day and rats visit them at night.  If you are a die-hard birdwatcher clean up spilled seed frequently. 

5.  Bring in pet food at night:  Pet food can be a major draw for rats.  Additionally, dog and cat droppings are often consumed by rats and should be cleaned up or removed promptly.

Ultimately, depriving animals of food and shelter goes a long way to discouraging them from nesting in a given area. Rodent Proofing, in addition to these, virtually eliminates any potential for packrat infestation along with infestation by other small mammals preventing untold damage, destruction and disease.