Rodent Control in the International District
The city defines the International District as the area bounded by San Mateo, Lomas, Wyoming and Gibson. It grew fast after World War II. Zoning in the 1950s allowed dense housing near Kirtland and Sandia, which left a lot of individually owned four-unit apartment buildings. Central Avenue, part of Route 66 from 1937, is lined with old motels. The neighborhood took its current name in 2009, and the state fairgrounds, Expo New Mexico, sit on its north side.
Multi-unit buildings mean shared walls, shared trash and shared mice.
Fourplexes and the 311 process
This is where the city's tenant process matters most. The City of Albuquerque's Urban Biology Division takes 311 complaints from residents of multi-unit housing, explicitly including fourplexes, triplexes and duplexes. Tell your landlord or manager in writing first. If nothing happens in 10 days, call 311 with good contact information, and allow up to 72 business hours for a call back. The 311 guide walks through it.
For owners, treating the whole building at once works better than chasing one unit at a time. See commercial rodent control.
What draws mice
Overflowing trash carts, open dumpster lids, vacant lots with weeds and debris, and carports with stored items. The city's weed ordinance makes owners responsible for weeds over 4 inches tall, including out to the middle of the alley. Report problem lots to 311.
Local questions
Can I call 311 about mice in my fourplex?
Yes, after you've told management in writing and waited 10 days. The city counts fourplexes as multi-unit housing.
The vacant lot next door is full of weeds and trash. Who handles that?
City code enforcement, through 311. Owners must keep weeds and litter cleared, and the city can clean a vacant lot and lien it.
Will treating one unit fix the building?
Rarely. Mice move through shared walls. The owner should have the whole building inspected.