Valley seeing increase in roof rats

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - It's that time of year when roof rats wreak havoc in Valley neighborhoods. And this year is no exception.

Roof rats have been a problem in the valley since 2002 when they were first discovered in the Arcadia District. Experts believe the rats came from the east coast and by 2004 they had been spotted in cities and towns across the valley.

Pest control experts say the rats are not disease carriers, but they do chew through wiring and damage citrus. To get rid of the rats you should get rid of their food supply. Usually they eat citrus and other fruit plants but they have been known to eat pet food or trash.