Meeting set to discuss roof rats

Thursday, April 22, 2004 | 10:47 a.m.

The Clark County Health District has set a May 6 meeting for residents of rodent-infested neighborhoods to talk about ways to curb a problem with roof rats.

The 6 p.m. meeting was scheduled as a result of a vote Wednesday by the Las Vegas City Council to bring together the health district, residents, the city's Neighborhood Services department and exterminators to address the problem that is prevalent in the posh Scotch 80s and McNeil Estates near Interstate 15 and Charleston Boulevard.

Mayor Oscar Goodman abstained from the 5-0 vote because he lives in the Scotch 80s.

Roof rat populations locally have grown in recent years as fruit trees have been shipped into Southern Nevada, carrying the rodents, officials said. Scotch 80s and McNeil are lined with such trees that contain the rats' favorite food.

A trapping operation in Scotch 80s was conducted last Sept. 26 to Oct. 10, Clark County Health District Environmental Health Supervisor Daniel Maxson told the council. County health officials caught 43 roof rats.

Residents who believe they have a roof rat problem can call 383-1261.