Over the last three years, certain areas of the Tucson Foothills have experienced an unusually large increase in the pack rat population. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has simultaneously noted a substantial decrease in rattlesnakes, the pack rats primary predator. Such a radical imbalance results in a population explosion in the number of pack rats. A serious problem regarding wildlife becomes the result. Why a sudden decrease in rattlesnakes? Most knowledgeable wildlife experts speculate that the severe (17° F) cold weather occurring twice over the last three winters killed off many rattlesnakes in shallow dens. The snakes were unable to tolerate the extreme cold ambient temperatures lasting often for days. The pack rats survived and bred unchecked.
After reviewing three years of data presented by Bob Vaughan regarding removal costs, and treatment for pack rats in the SMVE HOA, the Board of Directors agreed with a major effort to reduce the pack rat population. Truly Nolen, Inc. was hired to systematically locate nests; set traps with a mixture of peanut butter and oatmeal; then remove and dispose of the rats. Next, nests were dug up; debris and dead cacti hauled away; central middens 1 removed; and the site sprayed to kill blood parasites (“kissing” bugs) that live on and feed on pack rats. This labor-intensive effort with constant oversight has been underway since July all over the common areas maintained by SMVE. Bet you’ve noticed a proliferation of “yellow trucks” and many Truly Nolan personnel in our area during the last three months. Good news . . . . We’re winning!
So what’s the value to homeowners besides removing the “yuk factor”? As you probably know, pack rats can be quite destructive to your property (houses, irrigation systems, and automobiles). The rats gnaw tubing and wires in autos and home electrical wiring, build unsightly rubbish piles in your yards, and foster the spread of the “kissing” parasites that will infect your pets. How do we counter this problem? Number one, Homeowners and guests do NOT feed wildlife. SMVE HOA’s rules and regulations do NOT allow feeding of any wild animals in the SMVE common areas. Bird feeders and quail blocks are forbidden whether sitting on your walls or in the common areas. Such illegal behavior by homeowners is also a disservice to the wild animals as well as your neighbors. You are attracting pack rats and adversely changing wildlife behavior.. .NOT HELPING!
In addition, the HOA Rules and Regulations already forbid removal of plants from the common areas. That illegally cut debris is often not removed by your landscapers. What remains is perfect pack rat nest rubbish. Please contact Bill Page or Joe Steiner to arrange for trimming in any common area. You are breaking Arizona laws and penalties are quite expensive. Another tip: do NOT cover your Bar-B-Q grill during absences or for the winter. Pack rats love to make a “home” under the hood—a warm, safe, dark place to breed and cause mischief.
Since it is impractical because of its size, all common areas cannot be rendered pack rat free. Just like with your personal pest service treatment, a suppression perimeter to ward off pests has to be established. Truly Nolan will establish a “nest-free zone” 75-foot out from our 238 homes that includes both north and south pool recreation areas as well. This perimeter should allow better surveillance to locate new nests early and remove destructive pack rats from the common areas.
Finally, the SMVE Board of Directors at its September Board Meeting proactively authorized a contract for a “Pack Rat Maintenance Program” with Truly Nolan. After removal of current nests, and going forward, routine quarterly inspections of the common areas will focus on early nest location and removal. A discounted rate has been negotiated for trapping, removal, and treatment of all new nests. In addition, this contract includes a favorable 90-day warranty on all nests removed while the service continues in force. As you would guess, early removal of new nests while they are small saves many dollars. Waiting for periodic removal of large, well- established nests multiples the cost. Again, the Board has stepped forward to do its part to protect your property values. Please do your part. If you have active nests within your walled area, seek removal and treatment immediately. That cost is borne by you. However, you receive a huge benefit. This action will prevent pack rats gnawing irrigation lines and wires thus potentially disrupting your plant watering systems, low voltage lighting, or electrical services to your home. In conclusion, the absolutely best control measure remains to prevent the problem through adequate exclusion. *
by Bob Vaughan
Ref: Fall 2013 SMVE Newsletter
Notes:
- Midden is an archeological term meaning roughly “garbage pile” and where the pack rat sleeps. ↩