Learn how to prevent roof rats at Tempe meeting

TEMPE, AZ - It's that time of year when roof rats are most attracted to our homes because of overflowing citrus trees, so the city of Tempe is holding a meeting for you to learn about prevention.

The Tempe community meeting will be held Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Tempe History Museum Community Room. The address is 809 E. Southern Avenue in Tempe. 

One way to prevent a rodent infestation is by harvesting fruit right away.

Several organizations provide pickup, gleaning, or drop off services. 

The Elks Scottsdale Lodge has a drop off bin at 6398 E. Oak Street in Scottsdale. 

Community members may drop off fruit on Saturdays through March 25, from 8 a.m. to noon.

St. Mary's Food Bank, and other food banks around the Valley, also offer gleaning services.

Here's some advice to help avoid roof rats:

• Keep garbage containers covered
• Clean up pet waste
• Store bulk foods and pet foods in sealed, rat-proof containers
• Pick up fruit and nuts from the ground

Barry Paceley, a neighborhood activist and roof rat expert, will share suggestions on prevention and tackling existing problems. Bait stations will also be available for purchase.

How do you know if you have a roof rat problem?

Signs of roof rat activity include hollowed-out citrus or fruit, rat droppings, gnawing or scratching noises, damage to plastics and coverings on electrical wires, and unsettled pets. 

If you think you have roof rats, you are asked to call Maricopa County Vector Control at 602-506-6616. The city of Tempe also advises homeowners to contact homeowner associations and neighbors to come up with a community plan for citrus cleanup.

For more information, check out maricopa.gov.