Do Rats Infest Mission Viejo's Shaggy Palms?

Are roof rats rats living in the shaggy skirts of palm trees along the Oso Creek Trail? Can the slender, long-tailed pests be found in other palm trees around Mission Viejo?

The question was raised by Patch blogger Leslie Eskildsen earlier this month. She said the Oso Creek Trail is a beautiful spot for a stroll—except when the view is marred by unkempt trees. She wanted to know why the city leaves the palm trees in their natural, untrimmed state, especially if they could become the future home of rats.

A commenter disputed her claim, saying palm trees are more likely to house owls and other birds that eat rats. The anonymous commenter provided cited scholarly works stating rats prefer to nest underground.

The Maricopa County vector control website advises to "keep your palm trees trimmed. Roof rats nest in the skirts of old fronds, as well as in piles of debris and hollow trees."

And a graphic on the Orange County Vector Control website warns that rats can inhabit tree limbs near rooves. (See photo attached to this story).

Councilman Dave Leckness represents Mission Viejo on the OCVC board this year. He said rats do inhabit shaggy palm trees in Orange County, but he has not heard of any in Mission Viejo.

When they are found, rats can cause big problems. They can carry disease, the OCVC website says. The most dangerous disease they carry is bubonic plague, according to the website.

If you suspect you have rats, call Orange County Vector Control at (949) 654-2421, e-mail ocvcd@ocvcd.org or visit their website.

Do you think Mission Viejo should trim its palm trees? Are you concerned about rats in your neighborhood?