Range and distribution
Scientific Name(s)
Neotoma spp. (Pack Rat / Woodrat)
Description
Pack rats reach their greatest diversity in the deserts of the western United States and northern Mexico. Several species are also found in the deciduous forest of the east coast, juniper woodlands in the southwest, oak woodlands along the coastal western United States and in the Sonoran Desert, and in the forest and rocky habitats of the western United States and western Canada.
Habitats
- Attics, garages, and sheds
- Around foundations, under porches, and in crawl spaces
- Desert landscapes and rocky areas in yards
- Trees, bushes, and dense vegetation near homes
Behavior & Characteristics
- Nocturnal, most active at night
- Build large nests, called middens, from sticks, leaves, and collected objects
- Hoard shiny or interesting items like tools, paper, and wires
- Strong climbers and jumpers, able to access roofs, attics, and high ledges
- Leave droppings and urine around nesting areas
Health Risks
- Can carry hantavirus, Salmonella, and other bacteria
- Contaminate food and water sources with droppings and urine
- Chew on wires, insulation, and wood, creating fire hazards and structural damage
- Trigger allergies in sensitive individuals
Signs of Infestation
- Large stick-and-debris nests in attics, garages, or yards
- Droppings near food storage or nesting areas
- Gnaw marks on wood, wiring, or stored items
- Shiny or small objects missing (hoarded in nests)
- Nocturnal scurrying or scratching sounds
Prevention Tips
- Seal cracks, gaps, and holes around doors, windows, and foundations
- Trim tree branches away from roofs and structures
- Remove debris, firewood, and clutter from yards and around homes
- Store food and pet food in airtight containers
- Consider professional inspections and exclusion methods to prevent entry
Treatment Options
- Trapping with snap traps or live traps
- Rodenticides and bait stations applied by professional pest control services
- Sealing entry points and exclusion methods to prevent re-entry
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for long-term
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Interesting Facts
- Pack rats are known for hoarding unusual items, which they carry back to their nests
- A single pack rat nest can last for years, even decades
- Pack rats are excellent climbers, capable of navigating rooftops and high vegetation
FAQs
Q1: Why do I have pack rats around my home?
Pack rats are attracted to food, shelter, and nesting materials. Common causes include cluttered yards, accessible attics, and nearby vegetation.
Q2: Are pack rats dangerous?
Yes. Pack rats can carry diseases, contaminate food, and cause structural damage by gnawing on wires, insulation, and wood.
Q3: How can I prevent pack rats from returning?
Seal entry points, remove debris and clutter, trim trees away from structures, and maintain clean storage areas. Professional inspections and exclusion methods are highly effective.
Pack Rat Identification
Color:hybrid hue of brown and grey
Size:30 cm long
Legs:4
Antennae:No
Shape:large ears that extend outwards, wide eyes accompanied with long whiskers
Region:deserts of the western United States and northern Mexico
Habitat
Each species of pack rat is generally restricted to a given type of habitat within its range. Pack rats live anywhere from low, hot, dry deserts to cold, rocky slopes above timberline. Pack rats build complex houses or dens made of twigs, cactus joints, and other materials. These contain several nest chambers, food caches, and debris piles. Dens are often built in small caves or rocky crevices, but when close by human habitations, woodrats will opportunistically move into the attics and walls of houses. Some Neotoma species, such as the white-throated woodrat (N. albigula), use the bases of prickly pear or cholla cactus as the sites for their homes, using the cactus' spines for protection from predators. Others, like the desert woodrat (N. lepida), will build dens around the base of a yucca or cactus, such as jumping and teddy-bear chollas. The largest species, Neotoma cinerea, has a bushy, almost squirrel-like tail. Bushy-tailed woodrats occupy a range of habitats from boreal woodlands to deserts. They are cliff-dwellers and are often found on isolated, high elevation exposed boulder areas under a variety of temperature and moisture conditions.[8] They require adequate shelter among the rocks, though they are occasionally found inhabiting abandoned buildings as well. Information Credit: Wikipedia / myarizona.org Information Credit: wikipeda / myarizona.org