What Does a Pack Rat Look Like?

Is It a Pack Rat?

Pack rats look like:

1. Fur-covered tails instead of hairless, scaly tails
2. Large ears
3. Light in color (also can be gray or reddish brown)
4. Eight to Twenty inches long

Also called wood or trading rats, pack rats get their name from their habit of scavenging building materials for their large, elaborate nests.

Nesting Habits

Pack rats are found in many environments, from hot and dry deserts to rocky mountain slopes and everything in between. They build nests with whatever plant material they can scavenge, creating grand monuments to rodent engineering as wide as four feet across. Popular places for nests include rocky ledges as well as the bases or branches of trees. They are vegetarian and survive on a wide array of plants.

Damage Caused by Pack Rats

Due to their curious, scavenging nature, wood rats can end up in attics, cabins, sheds, and even vehicle engines. They damage electrical wiring and, living up to their name, pack up and make off with small objects like jewelry, utensils, nails, and screws. They will also rip out the padding of outdoor cushions and pillows to use as lining for their nests. More seriously, the pests can carry diseases, including plague. To rid a property of pack rat infestations, contact the wildlife removal specialists at Critter Control.