ROOF RATS HAVE BEEN FOUND IN ALL ZIP CODES IN THE LAS VEGAS VALLEY

Roof rats are now a year-round problem in the Las Vegas Valley. The roof rat is smaller than other rats – it weighs only 5-10 ounces, with a total length of 10-14 inches and large ears plus tails that are longer then their body.

Roof rats prefer “natural” foods such as seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables; however they will scavenge if necessary.  They are nocturnal – foraging during the evening hours and usually stay in or close to burrows during the daytime. These rats are rarely seen during the day, unless there is competition for food and habitat and they need heavy foliage for burrowing and a reliable source of water.

This species can reproduce quickly, becoming sexually mature in 2-3 months, and are capable 4-6 litters per year, with 4-8 pups per litter. This allows infestations to expand rapidly if they have an adequate habitat.

In the Las Vegas Valley roof rats have been documented since 1990. The first time they were identified was in the south/central part of the valley, and associated with imported palm trees. Reports of roof rats are often associated with areas near washes or areas with heavy vegetation and standing water.

Uncontrolled rodent populations can cause significant adverse affects in the community.

• Roof rats can produce large quantities of fecal pellets, urine, and hair, which are capable of soiling and contaminating large areas. 
• Nesting, burrowing and gnawing can cause direct property damage. 
• Roof rats and their associated parasites can transmit plague, typhus, salmonella, leptospirosis, rat bite fever, and other diseases.

Rodent Control Measures

• Weatherproof your home’s windows and doors (eliminate light from around doors).  Seal outer openings, pipe chases and wire entrance gaps with steel wool, aluminum, or wire mesh.

• Secure pet doors at night.

• Eliminate any unnecessary clutter, material, brush or foliage from your property.

• Keep bushes trimmed and clean out leaf litter and clutter that collects below bushes and remove landscaping debris quickly.

• Keep trash cans (plastic or metal) covered and do not put out “food” garbage in plastic bags.

A little good news, the health district has done surveillance for rodent disease and they haven't found any. The local population is pretty healthy, but that doesn't mean homeowners should let the problem go.

"Rats can squeeze into very small gaps. So really anything more than 1/4 inch, you should seal up in terms of access points to your home," said Vivek Raman, Environmental Health Supervisor. Roof rats have been found in pipes, they can chew through walls and insulation and that can be costly to fix.

GLOBAL PEST SERVICES in Las Vegas is a licensed pest control company that is qualified to handle all your pest elimination needs including roof rats.  Call our office at 702-657-0091 or go to our web site- to speak with us for all your pest control needs.  Get a quote now!

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