Rodents
Roof rats and house mice are the main commensal rodents in the Coachella Valley.
The major attractants for roof rats are fruits (mostly citrus), dense vegetation, exposed pet food, and water.
Rats and mice are known to spread 35 diseases to humans and animals.
Eliminating rats is a community effort. A successful rat control program requires reducing available food, eliminating potential shelter and performing rodent exclusion to prevent re-infestation.
The District provides a roof rat prevention, exclusion, and guidance program for the residents of the Valley. Vector control technicians advise homeowners on trap placement, building maintenance, and other rat control information upon request.
District staff conducts periodic block surveys of roof rat population in the Coachella Valley but will not trap or remove rodents.
