Rat Population Increasing in Las Vegas Valley

Rat Population Increasing in Las Vegas Valley

Updated: Oct 17, 2008 07:23 PM

Rats, like other rodents, can spread diseases, including salmonella, hantavirus, and even plague.

Some of the Las Vegas valley's older neighborhoods have a big problem with roof rats. One homeowner is learning first-hand just how bad the problem is. In some cases, the infestation can be so extensive, it requires professional pest control.

Just like everything else in Clark County, the valley's roof rat population has continued to grow over the years -- ever since the early 90's when the urban rodents first reared their furry heads.

"They run on the wall. You see them all over the place. We're infested with rats," said don Martinez.

Learn more about rodent populations from the SNHD

Martinez takes pride in his backyard. It boasts a beautiful coy pond, running waterfall and lush landscaping. But recently, Martinez says his tropical paradise has become overrun with roof rats, "I can't even have my granddaughter play back here anymore because of fear she'll be bitten by a rat or step in rat feces."

Rats, like other rodents, can spread diseases, including salmonella, hantavirus, and even plague. So Martinez called in a professional pest control company to lay down traps and bait boxes.

And after just one day, "They caught nine rats, immediately."

Unfortunately, Martinez's neighborhood has a lot of roosting pigeons, a nearby wash, and there's stagnant water in the swimming pool at the vacant house next door to him.

Martinez's south Las Vegas neighborhood near Eastern and Pebble is just one of 25 valley zip codes that are now reporting roof rat populations to the Southern Nevada Health District.

Environmental health specialists have been trapping and testing urban rats for specific diseases since 2003.

"We haven't found any disease, and by continuing to monitor and remediate these rat populations, we can keep the disease down," said Phil Bondurant.

But the health district says homeowners need to do their part as well by maintaining their properties.

"I know this is Las Vegas, famous for the Rat Pack, but I never booked them for my backyard," said Martinez.

An environmental health specialist will pay a visit to Martinez's house in a few days to trap and test some of the rats in his backyard. Extermination of rodents on private property still remains the responsibility of property owners.