Imagine waking up to find part of your fingernail chewed off by a rat. Sounds like a horror movie plot, right? But for one woman in the Las Vegas Valley, it was a shocking reality. And this is the part most people miss: pest control experts warn that such incidents could become more common as mild fall and winter weather keeps pests active longer. The National Pest Management Association’s 2025 “Bug Barometer” forecast predicts that desert pests like scorpions and spiders will remain active well into the cooler months, especially in regions like Nevada’s Intermountain and Southwest area. But it’s not just insects we need to worry about—rodents are also on the move. Once temperatures drop, rats and other critters will seek shelter indoors, potentially bringing disease and destruction with them. Russell Cameron, general manager of Environmaxx Pest Control, confirms this trend locally. He notes that scorpions stay active until January’s chill sets in, while rodents are already a year-round issue across the valley. But here’s where it gets controversial: Cameron recounts a jaw-dropping story of a rat that entered a VRBO guest’s bedroom near Horizon Ridge and I-11, chewing off part of her fingernail while she slept. The woman admitted to a night of partying, possibly sleeping through the ordeal, but the evidence—droppings and nail fragments in the rat’s nest—was undeniable. While the story initially seemed far-fetched, Cameron’s team verified its authenticity. He emphasizes that rodents can gnaw through wires and create entry points into homes, making prevention crucial. To keep pests at bay, Cameron recommends clearing woodpiles, debris, and leaves from your property and calling professionals for infestations. Here’s a thought-provoking question: As urban areas expand into natural habitats, are we inviting more human-pest conflicts like this? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think we’re doing enough to coexist with wildlife, or are we crossing lines that lead to dangerous encounters?
