L.A. Rats Migrate To Tony Nabes

Can you blame a rat for moving on up in the world?

Urban sprawl and warm temperatures have driven large number of rats into affluent areas such as Beverly Hills, Malibu and Santa Monica, California health officials say.

"Rodents do not know they've crossed Santa Monica Boulevard into Beverly Hills and shouldn't be there," said Terrence Powell, director of environmental services for Los Angeles County. "Rats love palm trees, too. To them, they're classy, high-rise condos."

The health department closed seven restaurants on Santa Monica's tony Third Street Promenade in April and May for rodent problems. Some of the sidewalk cafes were built without devices that guide rodents away from key areas.

Health officials don't believe there has been a rise in the rodent population. Rather, they say, California's drought has dried up some of the rodents' food sources. As a result, the rats have become more adventurous.

"In higher socioeconomic areas, rodents can survive forever and not be seen," said county official Frank Hall.

Recently, county officials were shooting a video for employees to educate them about breeding habits of rodents. They filmed the video at a manicured yard at an expensive Pacific Palisades home. Health officials trapped more than 250 rodents at the home before they stopped counting.

"The moral to the story is rats will go anywhere they have food," Powell said. "It's ironic that many of the things they like are on the street of the very affluent."