Roof Rats Citrus Trees

How to get rid of fruit rats.

Roof rats citrus trees.

The roof rat sometimes called the black rat is a common vertebrate pest in citrus and nut orchards. Rats also find their way up roofs and trees when there are vines to climb up. In citrus it builds leaf and twig nests in trees or it can nest in debris piles thick mulch on the ground or in shallow burrows under the tree especially in hot weather. One of the reasons that roof rats have flourished in the east valley is because of the prevalence of backyard fruit trees especially citrus trees.

Set out live traps on ledges branches fences and pipes where fruit rats regularly climb. They get their name. As we progress through the citrus season from september through march the roof rats that may have been living quietly around your house or grove make themselves known. Half eaten citrus around your home.

Place dropped or spoiled fruit into a secure garbage can. To attract the. Pick up all dropped fruit on a daily basis. Hollowed out fruit is the most common evidence of roof rats.

What is a roof rat roof rats rattus rattus sometimes called black rats fruit rats or house rats are aerial very agile climbers and usually live and nest above ground in shrubs trees and dense vegetation such as ivy. They have now settled into ideal habitat among old growth citrus trees palm trees and other mature landscaping and take advantage of abundant irrigation canals and food resources around homes. If there is shelter available in your yard or near your roof then rats may climb trees to get at the nuts and fruit from the tree. In nut orchards roof rats often nest around the base of trees.

Roof rats are long and thin rodents that have large eyes and ears a pointed nose and a scaly tail. Use a sheet metal or aluminum flashing that is at least 18 inches tall and wrap it around the base of the tree overlapping it by 2 or 3. Install rat guard around the trunks of the citrus trees. In 2001 roof rats were documented in phoenix and likely introduced into the area through freight or shipment of food livestock feed or equipment.

Rats found in trees are often known as roof rats as they may jump from a roof into the tree. The rats typically will target the lowest hanging fruit literally. Place the dropped fruit in a garbage. This provides the rats with a convenient food source close to warmth and shelter.