By Lauren McSherry

The Santa Clara County Vector Control District has found that the population of rats near Almond Elementary School is no larger than that anywhere else.

Two neighbors of the school complained last month to vector control, the city of Los Altos and the Los Altos School District that recent construction at the school had displaced a large population of rats now plaguing the area.

Paul Reyes, a vector control technician who investigated, said he saw no evidence that the school was a contributing factor. Acorns from oak trees, fruit trees, bird feeders and dog food provide enough food to support a large roof rat population in the area. Eliminating food sources is the best way to attack the problem, he said.

“People in general like to see cause and effect,” Reyes said. “Honestly, rats are just around all the time.”

But resident Jeanne Dale remains skeptical. She said she has trapped 18 rats in nine months, adding: “How could I have so many compared to my neighbors?”

Jeffrey Baier, Almond’s principal, said school officials are careful to maintain the property to prevent harboring a rat population.

Reyes said, “West Nile Virus is much more of a health threat than rats, especially at this time.”

With the arrival of summer, vector control’s top priority is preventing the spread of the virus. The public is asked to report any standing water that could be breeding grounds for mosquitoes by calling (800) 675-1155.