Gross! Why Rats are Suddenly Invading Arizona Homes

Humans: Not The Only Ones Escaping the Desert Heat

When the temperature begins to top out in the 100s, the sweltering Arizona heat forces humans and pets indoors.

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But we're not the only creatures seeking shelter from the scorching temperatures. In a desperate bid for survival, a bunch of gross little invaders are infiltrating homes, businesses, sheds, and outbuildings, exploiting any vulnerability to escape the oppressive outdoor heat.

READ: Ew! These 2 Arizona Cities Are the Most Infested with Bed Bugs

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Rodents: Escaping the Arizona Heat in Your Home

Arizona homes are seeing an invasion of rats, mice, and other rodents.

When the temperature rises, rodents take advantage of any entry point possible, to escape the heat. According to pest control experts, rodents aren't picky about how they gain access to your house.

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The little vermin can enter through attic insulation or plumbing vents. If the space is small, they have no problem chewing through a crevice to make it large enough to get through.

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According to RejectRats.com,

A rat can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime (about 0.705 inches)...[depending] on the size of the rat.

Arizona Homes Most Likely to Attract Rodents

It was once thought that homes with many fruit trees nearby were more likely to attract mice and other rodents, but that myth has been dispelled.

READ: Why Arizona Drivers Put Cotton Balls Around Cars

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Rats and other rodents are relentlessly searching for shelter from the intense summer heat, and they've become a widespread issue for homeowners across Arizona.

Here are some tips on how to discourage rodents in your home:

Seal Entrances Where Rodents Can Enter: Seal off all potential entry points.
Set Traps: Strategically place traps outside around your property to catch any rats and rodents before they enter your building.
Reduce Hiding Places: Eliminate clutter and debris where rodents hide.
Use Natural Rodent Repellents: Try using natural rodent repellents like essential oils or homemade solutions that deter rats.
Maintain Cleanliness: Clean counters, sinks, and tabletops, and remove leftover food that could attract mice.

These 50 US Cities are Crawling with Bed Bugs

Every year the pest control gurus at Orkin put together a list of the Top 50 Bed Bug Destinations in the United States. Which areas do you travel to that you should take extra care to watch out for these blood-sucking insects? Let's countdown to the most bed-bug-riddled city in the United States.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Plant Some Of These In Your Garden to Keep Mosquitoes Away

As we previously told you, mosquitoes are the most dangerous creatures on earth. If you want to keep them away from you're yard, these plants can help!

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

Quiz: Do you know your state insect?

Stacker has used a variety of sources to compile a list of the official state insect(s) of each U.S. state, as well as their unique characteristics. Read on to see if you can guess which insect(s) represent your state.

Gallery Credit: Andrew Vale