One of the most common questions we get from Arizona homeowners is “how do I get rid of rodents?” Whether the problem is roof rats in the attic, mice in the kitchen, or gophers tearing up the yard, these pests pose risks to your health, property, and peace of mind.

Rodent infestations are common in Arizona but here is the good news. You don’t have to handle it alone. Alpha Pest Control is a locally owned company based in Tempe, Ariz. that specializes in helping homeowners with effective pest solutions that get the job done. If you’re ready to stop rodents in their tracks and not give them an open invitation to your home, here’s what you need to know.

Know Your Enemy: Common Rodents in Arizona

Rodents live here too and have adapted perfectly to Arizona’s climate. Arizona is known for citrus trees and roof rats thrive in them. Roof rats can also cause damage to wires and insulation if left unchecked and trees are close to your home’s exterior walls. Other common Arizona rodents can be identified by knowing their habits and favorite spots:

• Roof Rats: Expert climbers that nest in attics, trees or shrubs
• Norway Rats: Live on the ground and burrow near foundations and in sewers
• Mice: Smaller rodents that breed fast — females can have a litter within just three weeks
• Gophers: As seen in the movie “Caddyshack”, gophers live in tunnels underground that damage lawns and irrigation lines

Prevention Starts Outside: Rodent Proofing Tips

Effective rodent control in Arizona means acting early and maintaining your yard. Simple steps like trimming tree branches away from your roof or moving stored items off the ground can make a big difference in deterring pests. Think of it as creating a “no vacancy” sign for rodents, making your property much less appealing.

• Trim landscaping by keeping bushes and trees away from your home’s exterior to limit roof rat access. 
• Keep firewood and other stored items at least 20 feet away from your home and elevated off the ground. 
• Remove excess fruit from the trees in your yard. Pick fallen fruit (and pet droppings) up off the ground and place in the garbage on a regular basis. Properly secure said garbage, pet food, and other potential food sources in the appropriate closed containers.  

Quick Fixes that Work

If rodents are in your home, you’ll want to act fast to save you time and money…and frustration. The Alpha Pest team has seen the best results by combining strategic trap placement and eliminating food sources that can be accessed by these little pests. While natural deterrents (like peppermint oil or dried mint) can help, they should only be used in combination with professional pest control methods.

• Snap traps are the most effective and recommended method for inside. Place them along walls and high-traffic routes. 
• Avoid glue traps or lethal bait indoors because they pose risks to pets and children if not placed properly.

Keep Rodents Out Long Term

The key to lasting protection from rodent infestations is consistency. Rodents look for the easiest access point, so routine maintenance keeps them guessing and will make them move on to another property. Take a look around your home often (and the Alpha Pest team will do the same). Be alert and notice small signs like gnaw marks, droppings, or scratching noises from inside a wall. Regularly scheduled visits from Alpha Pest Control can catch problems before they become a full-blown infestation.

When to Call in Expert Help

Most often than not, rodent problems call for professional help, not just a DIY approach. That’s where Alpha Pest Control’s experience with Arizona-specific rodent challenges comes in. We can create a customized solution for your home, such as pinpointing hidden entry points, finding the best place to add rodent stations and implementing solutions that last. As a local, family-owned company with deep community ties, we treat every home as if it were our own, ensuring you get both effective results and the personal care you deserve.

Do you need an expert to take care of all your pest control solutions? Call or text Alpha Pest Control at 480-968-0414 or fill out our contact form and we can get you on your way to a pest-free home.