Rodent Control Around UNM and University Heights
University Heights, south of Central near UNM, was platted a few years before 1910 and had only eight houses by that year. More than 300 went up in the 1920s. In the mid-1930s, federal work-relief money paid for sewers, curbs and streets around campus, along with Bandelier Elementary and Zimmerman Library. After World War II the area south of Central turned into the student rental district it still is.
Old houses, high turnover and lots of shared trash cans make mice a regular problem here.
Rentals and turnover
Every move-out leaves food, boxes and open doors. Mice that find a quiet duplex in summer settle in by fall. If you rent, tell the landlord in writing. Inside city limits, the City of Albuquerque's Urban Biology Division takes 311 complaints from residents of duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and larger buildings when management hasn't acted within 10 days. Single-family rentals don't qualify, and the city says to call private pest control. The rental guide covers New Mexico's landlord rules.
What helps in a student rental
Small habits make a big difference:
- Keep food in sealed containers, not open bags
- Take trash out often and keep the cart lid closed
- Don't stack boxes against walls in closets and garages
- Report droppings to the landlord with photos and dates
- Never sweep or vacuum droppings; soak them first
Local questions
My landlord isn't doing anything about mice. What can I do?
Give written notice. If it's a multi-unit building in city limits and nothing happens in 10 days, call 311. New Mexico law also gives tenants remedies after written notice; see the rental guide.
Who pays for pest control in a rental?
It depends on the lease and the cause. Landlords must keep the place up to housing code, and tenants must keep it clean.
Are dorms covered by this line?
Campus housing goes through the university. Call the housing office.