Southern Arizona’s desert is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and while much of it is fascinating to observe, some creatures can quickly become unwelcome guests in and around your home. Two of the most common rodent pests in our region are pack rats (woodrats) and house mice. Both can cause significant property damage, spread disease, and create stressful infestations if not addressed quickly.
Pack Rats (Woodrats)
Pack rats are well known for their unique nesting behavior. They gather sticks, cactus pads, wires, insulation, and almost any available material to construct large, messy nests called middens. These nests are commonly found:
- In garages, attics, and sheds
- Under porches, decks, and patios
- Around cacti and desert plants
- Inside vehicles left outdoors
Unfortunately, pack rats are also notorious chewers. They can gnaw through vehicle wiring, home insulation, and even electrical components, leading to expensive repairs. To make matters worse, their nests can harbor kissing bugs, fleas, ticks, and other pests.
House Mice
House mice prefer to live indoors and are highly adaptable. Once inside, they nest in quiet, hidden areas such as walls, basements, and storage boxes. House mice reproduce quickly, meaning a small issue can rapidly turn into a full-blown infestation in a matter of a few days.
Some key concerns with house mice include:
- Food contamination – They leave droppings and urine in pantries, cupboards, and food containers.
- Health risks – House mice can spread Salmonella and other harmful bacteria.
- Structural damage – Like pack rats, they gnaw on wires, insulation, and stored belongings.
Other Rodents in Our Area
Southern Arizona also has kangaroo rats, cactus mice, deer mice, field mice, and roof rats, each with their own unique habits and risks. Homeowners should always be on the lookout for signs of rodent activity to protect their property and health.
Risks of Rodent Infestations
Whether it’s a pack rat building a nest in your car engine or house mice sneaking into your pantry, rodent infestations bring serious problems:
- Costly property damage
- Potential health hazards from droppings and urine
- Attraction of secondary pests like fleas and ticks
DIY Prevention Tips
Homeowners can take steps to make their property less attractive to rodents:
- Seal Entry Points – Rodents can squeeze through tiny gaps. Seal cracks around doors, vents, and pipes.
- Remove Nesting Materials – Clear away yard debris, woodpiles, and clutter where rodents like to hide.
- Protect Food – Store pet food and pantry goods in rodent-proof containers.
- Safeguard Vehicles – If parking outdoors, use deterrent lights or covers to discourage pack rats from nesting.
Professional Rodent Control
Because rodents reproduce quickly and can be difficult to track down, DIY measures often aren’t enough. Professional control offers:
- Expert inspections to identify nests and entry points
- Safe, effective trapping and removal
- Exclusion services to seal access points
- Long-term monitoring and prevention strategies
At Bill’s Home Service, we’ve been protecting Southern Arizona homes from rodents since 1964. Our local expertise means we know the habits of pack rats and house mice—and how to stop them.
If you’re hearing scratching in the walls, finding droppings, or discovering damage to your vehicles or wiring, don’t wait until the problem grows. Contact us today at (520) 277-2720 to schedule a rodent inspection and keep your home rodent-free.
