Roof Rats
What are roof rats and why are they a problem?

Roof rats were first discovered in east Phoenix Arcadia neighborhoods in 2002. They are not native to Arizona and may have been transported to Maricopa County from one of our neighboring coastal states. Roof rats can carry disease, but those found to date in Maricopa County have not been disease carriers. Roof rats are known to be destructive, gnawing through wiring and destroying citrus. They are generally active at night and during the spring months.

If you would like to do more research on roof rats, visit the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension website by clicking here.

Who do I notify if I think I have roof rats?

Maricopa County Vector Control has a complaint line and webpage for information and reporting purposes should you believe you have roof rats. The County can help you determine if you have a roof rat problem. Call the Maricopa County Environmental Complaint Line at (602) 506-6616 or log your complaint on their website by clicking here.

What can I do to get rid of them?

Similar to controlling other household pests, you may want to work with your pest control company on removal. Practical information and tips are available on the Maricopa County website at Maricopa County Vector Control and on the Arcadia Neighbor to Neighbor webpage.

What can I do to prevent roof rats?

The experts advise that the most important immediate step is the removal and control of potential food supplies including citrus and other fruit, pet and bird food, and garbage. They indicate that the long-term solution is the combination of a xeriscaped (low-water-use) and citrus-free yard. Information from the City of Phoenix Water Services Department on how to xeriscape your lawn can be found by clicking here.. Residents can also work with pest control companies on prevention measures.

Practical information and tips are available on the Maricopa County website at Maricopa County Vector Control and on the Arcadia Neighbor to Neighbor webpage.

What is the City of Phoenix doing?

The City of Phoenix is assisting Maricopa County in educating property owners about roof rats. However, the City is primarily responsible for garbage collection and disposal. Residents are urged to take advantage of the City's existing weekly garbage collection, quarterly bulk trash collection, and free trash disposal at the City's solid waste disposal facilities on weekends. Note: Please bring a water bill or other proof of residency when visiting the facility. For more information on these services or to get directions and hours of operation for city disposal facilities, click here.

The City also works with neighborhood groups, such as Block Watch, to provide education and coordinate special clean ups. If you have questions, contact Kathleen Umlauf,, Public Works Administrative Office, at (602) 256-5619 or email to kathleen.umlauf@phoenix.gov.