Rodent Control in North Central Phoenix and Sunnyslope

Two neighborhoods, two different rats. North Central runs along Central Ave. and the Murphy Bridle Path, with big lots, old shade trees and plenty of backyard citrus. A lot of the homes are midcentury ranch houses on irrigated land, and the canopy hangs right over the roof. Roof rats have it easy.

Just north, Sunnyslope sits under Sunnyslope Mountain and its white S. Homes are smaller and older on average, plenty of them from the postwar years, and some streets back right onto the hills of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. That brings pack rats into it, along with plenty of mice in the older houses.

Pecans, grapefruit and the bridle path

North Central sits on flat, irrigated land on both sides of the Arizona Canal. Lots along Central and the bridle path are large, with pecans and citrus out back and shade trees along the canal. That's steady food through the cool months and cover the whole way. Older vents and roof jacks on the midcentury homes are the usual way in, and any branch lying on the roof is a ramp. Pecans drop nuts all fall, and rats will happily eat those too.

Most calls south of the canal are roof rat control, often with a yard plan for the citrus and pecans. Ask the tech to look hard at gable vents and overhanging trees, and ask about rodent-proofing for older homes. Arcadia to the southeast has the same pattern, and so does the Encanto area to the south.

Hillside lots below Sunnyslope Mountain

Sunnyslope climbs toward the mountains. The ground gets rocky, washes cut through, and the lots get smaller, with a mix of block and frame houses. Around Dunlap Ave. and Hatcher Rd., older homes have gaps around doors, utility lines and roof edges, and some still have swamp cooler openings and roof jacks that have worked loose. Mice like those older houses just fine, especially once the weather turns and the garage is the warmest dry spot around.

Closer to the mountain, brush and rock on hillside lots give pack rats cover the flat lots down south don't have. Clear brush piles off the back wall and keep the area under the shed open. If you're not sure which one you've got, the roof rat vs. pack rat guide helps.

• Clear brush and debris piles near the back wall
• Screen roof and gable vents with metal mesh
• Pick up fallen fruit and pet food at night

Around North Central & Sunnyslope: Murphy Bridle Path along Central Ave. · Arizona Canal · Sunnyslope Mountain · Phoenix Mountains Preserve · Dunlap Ave. and Hatcher Rd. · North Mountain and Shaw Butte (ZIP 85012, 85013, 85014, 85020, 85021)

Also serving Arcadia, Ahwatukee Foothills, Encanto & Willo, Maryvale, Paradise Valley Village & Desert Ridge, Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, Mesa.