I'd Like to Hear More About Arcadia

[Jukesgrrl]

Originally Posted by pbenjamin

The problem was specifically roof rats, and the cause was presumed to be citrus trees, i.e. people not harvesting/removing mature fruit. Arcadia seems to have been where the problem started, although it has spread to many other areas. I have heard reports of them here in Willo, although have not had the problem personally. I *think* that roof rats are somewhat under control when compared to a few years ago since you don't hear so much about them lately.

Yes, allowing citrus trees to drop fruit on the ground is a great attraction to varmints of every type. It happens in California all the time. Arcadia was built on what used to be lemon tree groves. Taking care of the trees takes care of the problem. But many houses in the Arcadia area don't even have fruit trees any more. Pack rats are also attracted by the fruit dropped by the prickly pear cactus, which is ubiquitous in Arizona. That's another clean up that must be attended to. But most people who can afford to live in Arcadia can afford to hire landscapers who can keep these issues at bay with proper care, so the OP shouldn't let this discourage her.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by azriverfan.

Anyway, my take on Arcadia is it's popular because of the type of people who live there. It is considered a trendy area but the populace is very educated and liberal thus it's venues in the area tend to reflect that whether you are talking about restaurants, bars, shopping etc.

I don't think it's so much trendy as it is unique and bordering on historic. It reminds me a lot of the old Phoenix: large styled quality built ranch homes with huge grass lawns, and none of that cookie cutter nonsense like you see so much of these days in the newer developments. Definitely one of my favorite areas, but it does tend to be on the expensive side.

Originally Posted by pbenjamin

The problem was specifically roof rats, and the cause was presumed to be citrus trees, i.e. people not harvesting/removing mature fruit. Arcadia seems to have been where the problem started, although it has spread to many other areas. I have heard reports of them here in Willo, although have not had the problem personally. I *think* that roof rats are somewhat under control when compared to a few years ago since you don't hear so much about them lately.

I haven't heard about roof rats as much lately either (thank God). They're such disgusting creatures! I remember a few years ago how rampant they were in Arcadia ... they're mostly attracted to green areas with lots of trees, especially mature citrus. But they were spotted in other parts of the metro area as well, such as Tempe and many parts of central Phoenix, so they're not just a problem in Arcadia.

[tylerinphoenix]

I'm 23 and lived in Arcadia my whole life. I love the area! Besides central Phoenix, there is no where else I would want to live in Phoenix.

To me, central Phoenix is the unique, high quality, character portion of the city to go to if you're looking for a high energy place. Arcadia is the unique, high quality, character place in the city to go if you want to have a quieter area. But there's still lots to do within a short drive!

No cookie-cutter McMansions here!

[Arcadia Camelback]

Originally Posted by Jukesgrrl

Arcadia was built on what used to be lemon-tree groves.

I think it's mostly grapefruit (and also orange trees). I have 65 citrus trees on my property in the heart of the Arcadia groves, and about 80 percent of them are grapefruit.

[Java Jolt]

That's good to know the rat problem is under control.

What caused them to be a problem in the first place and then reduce in numbers?

Was it the heat, the lack of rain, or just better pest control?

[pbenjamin]

They are not native to Arizona. They first showed up in Arcadia in 2001, presumably having been transported on a truck or something similar. With the citrus abundance in Arcadia they found an ideal environment. Eventually various civic and governmental groups learned how to make the area less hospitable to them, the most obvious being harvesting fruit when mature, but other no brainers like not leaving bowls of pet food outdoors. These approaches have not eradicated them but have helped.

[liz451]

Roof rats have worked their way to other parts of the Valley. My parents had them about 10 years ago in Central Phoenix, they had a citrus tree they needed to do a little better job taking care of. I don't remember it being a huge issue to get rid of them though.

Regardless Arcadia is very nice although it can vary from street to street - stay north of Indian School.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by liz451

Roof rats have worked their way to other parts of the Valley. My parents had them about 10 years ago in Central Phoenix, they had a citrus tree they needed to do a little better job taking care of. I don't remember it being a huge issue to get rid of them though.

Regardless Arcadia is very nice although it can vary from street to street - stay north of Indian School.

Yes, the roof rat issue seemed to start in the Arcadia area, but like any other pest, they work their way to other areas within a short time. I live in the Camelback East area, and some of my neighbors have reported seeing rats in their sheds. In any case, this shouldn't be a major scare to prevent anybody from looking at Arcadia. It's a very nice area ... and I would definitely agree to stay north of Indian School Road (specifically the canal). The area south of there has many businesses with the Arcadia name, but that section is more like south Arcadia. The true Arcadia is north of the canal between about 44th and 68th Streets.