Rodent Control in Westgate and the Southwest Mesa
Westgate Heights is one of the older developed neighborhoods on the Southwest Mesa, which rises 300 to 400 feet above the Rio Grande floodplain west of the river. The Westgate Heights Shopping Center dates to the 1960s, and the Westgate Community Center has been expanding in phases. Arroyos cut the sandy slope, and the Amole Arroyo runs from the river toward the Rio Puerco escarpment.
Sandy soil, open lots and arroyos make this pack rat and deer mouse country.
Open lots and sandy soil
Vacant lots and open mesa between subdivisions give rodents plenty of room. Block walls along the back of a yard keep out dogs but not mice. Check the garage corners, the side yard and anything stored against the wall. A car or RV that sits on the side of the house is a common pack rat target. See rodents in cars and garages.
- Stick nests under shrubs and along back walls
- Droppings in the garage and on storage shelves
- Chewed wiring in a car or RV that sits
- Mice inside once fall nights turn cold
City or county
Parts of the Southwest Mesa are inside city limits and parts are county. Inside the city, weed and litter complaints about a neighboring lot go to 311, and owners must cut weeds over 4 inches. In county areas, contact Bernalillo County. The property rules guide has the city details.
Local questions
Pack rats keep nesting under my RV. What helps?
Move it and check it weekly, clear brush around it and have the area trapped. A balsam fir oil repellent may help as an extra.
The lot behind us is full of weeds. Can the city do anything?
Inside city limits, yes. Call 311. The city can issue a notice and, on a vacant lot, cut the weeds and lien the property.
Are deer mice common out here?
On the open mesa, yes. Treat droppings in sheds and garages as if they're from a deer mouse.