Rodent Control in Sandia Heights
Sandia Heights is an unincorporated community in Bernalillo County at the western base of the Sandia Mountains, just south of the Sandia Peak Tramway base station. The tram opened in May 1966. The 2020 census counted 3,273 residents at an elevation of about 6,165 feet. Lots east of Tramway run about three-quarters of an acre.
Sandia Heights was the first Albuquerque-area subdivision to plan for water conservation. Native landscaping is required and lawns are limited to a small walled garden. The result is a neighborhood that blends into the foothills, rodents included.
What turns up here
County rules, city testing
Since Sandia Heights is outside city limits, the City of Albuquerque's 311 rodent complaint process for multi-unit housing doesn't apply. The city does collect dead rodents for plague and tularemia testing east of Tramway and in the foothills, so call 311 about a rodent or rabbit that died with no injury. The state health department's advice is to avoid sick or dead rodents and their nests, keep pets on flea control and see a doctor for an unexplained sudden fever.
- Keep woodpiles and brush away from the house
- Seal the garage and crawl space vents
- Store pet food and birdseed in metal cans
Local questions
Does the city do anything about rodents in Sandia Heights?
The city doesn't do rodent control anywhere. It does collect certain dead rodents east of Tramway for plague testing through 311.
We're required to keep native plants. Doesn't that attract pack rats?
It gives them cover. Keep plants trimmed back from the walls and seal the house and garage. That's what keeps them outside.
How do I clean pack rat droppings from the garage safely?
Air it out, soak droppings with bleach solution for 5 minutes, then wipe them up. Don't sweep. See hantavirus-safe cleanup.