Roof rats are migrating their way from Phoenix into downtown Tucson and causing concern for businesses, according to Truly Nolen's commercial manager Matt Nelson.
These rats are common in Phoenix, but a new rodent to Tucson.
Nelson says in the past three months these rodents have been spotted near Interstate 10 and the railroad tracks through the northeast corridor of Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana.
He says they have received calls recently from residential and downtown Tucson businesses.
"They make their way into homes by chewing on wood and wiring," said Greg Harrell, a branch manager with Truly Nolen. "They get into the attics and they are very destructive and they do look for harborage above so they live in the attics."
Experts say to remove the rats, they can either be trapped or an extermination company will remove them.
As the temperatures heat up, it is a common time to see more bugs and rodents looking for cool places to escape the heat.
Harrell says to make sure they don't get in, he suggests trimming trees and bushes and keep water away from your home.
As monsoon approaches, he suggests to inspect your home and seal all the windows, doors, and cracks. Harrell also says to make sure the slope of the land is away from your home so the water doesn't run towards it.
