Rodent Control FAQ – Cummings Pest Control

The most common rodents we treat in Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, and Rio Verde are roof rats, pack rats (also called woodrats), house mice, and occasionally Norway rats. Roof rats have become especially prevalent in the East Valley over the past two decades, thriving in citrus trees, palm trees, and dense landscaping. Pack rats are native desert rodents that build large nests (middens) from sticks and debris, often in yards and engine compartments.

Common signs include droppings (rice-sized for mice, olive-sized for rats), gnaw marks on food packaging or wiring, scratching sounds in walls or ceilings at night, greasy rub marks along walls and baseboards, and nesting material like shredded paper or insulation. Roof rats often leave droppings in attics and along fence tops. If you notice any of these signs, contact Cummings Pest Control for an inspection before the problem grows.

Yes. Roof rats arrived in the Phoenix metro area in the early 2000s and have spread rapidly. They are particularly common in neighborhoods with citrus trees, oleanders, and dense vegetation. Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and older neighborhoods in Mesa and Chandler with mature landscaping are especially affected. Roof rats are excellent climbers and often enter homes through openings along the roofline, making them harder to exclude than ground-dwelling rodents.

Absolutely. Rodents gnaw constantly to keep their teeth worn down, and they will chew through electrical wiring, PVC pipes, wood framing, drywall, and even stucco. Rodent-damaged wiring is a documented fire hazard. They also contaminate insulation with urine and droppings, damage stored items, and can chew through irrigation lines. Pack rats are notorious for damaging vehicle wiring under the hood. The cost of rodent damage often far exceeds the cost of professional control.

We use an integrated approach that includes trapping, exclusion (sealing entry points), habitat modification, and when appropriate, exterior bait stations. Our technicians inspect your property to identify the rodent species, locate entry points, and map activity areas. We then develop a targeted treatment plan. Exclusion is especially important — without sealing the gaps and openings rodents use to enter, new rodents will simply replace the ones removed.

Pick up fallen citrus and other fruit daily. Trim tree branches at least four feet from your roofline. Store pet food in sealed containers and bring it indoors at night. Keep woodpiles and debris away from your home’s foundation. Seal gaps around pipes, vents, and utility lines. Make sure garage doors seal tightly at the bottom. Remove dense ground cover and ivy near the house. Cummings Pest Control can assess your property and provide specific recommendations tailored to your situation.

Yes. Rodent droppings and urine can transmit hantavirus, salmonella, leptospirosis, and other diseases. Dried droppings can become airborne when disturbed, posing an inhalation risk. Never vacuum or sweep rodent droppings — instead, spray them with a disinfectant solution, let it soak, and then carefully clean up with paper towels while wearing gloves. For significant contamination, Cummings Pest Control offers professional cleanup and sanitization services.

Independent research has consistently shown that ultrasonic devices are not effective at repelling rodents. Rodents quickly become accustomed to the sound, and the devices do not penetrate walls or furniture. The FTC has even issued warnings to manufacturers of these products for making unsupported claims. Professional trapping and exclusion from Cummings Pest Control are far more reliable solutions.

Very quickly. A single pair of mice can produce up to 60 offspring per year, and those offspring begin breeding at just six weeks old. Roof rats can have four to six litters per year with five to eight pups each. What starts as one or two rodents can become a major infestation within a few months. Early intervention from Cummings Pest Control is always more effective and less costly than dealing with an established population.

Cummings Pest Control prioritizes safety in all our rodent control methods. We use tamper-resistant bait stations for exterior treatments that prevent access by children and pets. Interior control primarily relies on snap traps placed in areas inaccessible to pets and children. Our technicians are trained to select the safest, most effective methods for your specific situation and will always discuss any precautions with you.