Wood rats are like other rat species in many respects. If they are living inside a residential or commercial building, they create problems that require immediate attention.
Sometimes called pack rats because of their habit of collecting objects and keeping them in their nests, wood rats come inside man-made structures in search of basic necessities such as shelter, food and water. Getting indoors frequently is not much of a challenge for this resourceful species. Even a small crack or gap in a building's exterior is enough to let them inside. Once there, they will not leave until they are forced to do so.
Wood rats are a dangerous species. With their ability to spread numerous bacteria and diseases, they can make people ill and contaminate food sources. Even the saliva, excrement and shed fur of the wood rat contaminate rooms, so unless a thorough cleanup is conducted after the wood rats have been evicted, people could still get sick from exposure.
Getting rid of wood rats rarely is easy. They are good at hiding their nests deep within structures where they are difficult to locate. Accordingly, it is essential to rely on the knowledge and experience of a licensed pest management professional. Thanks to their expertise, they can track down even the most well-hidden wood rat nests so that the problem can be eliminated.
Using specialized products that are designed for this purpose, exterminators are able to get rid of problem species such as the wood rat without compromising the health and safety of the people and pets in the building.
WHAT DO WOOD RATS LOOK LIKE?
Approximately 21 species of wood rats are found in North and Central America. Most of the species are characterized by a densely hairy tail, which is unusual in rat species. Moreover, they have protruding ears that are virtually free of hair and oversized eyes. Their feet typically are white, but the rest of the body may be reddish-brown, gray or anything in between. From nose to tail, the wood rat may measure up to 18 inches long.
WHAT DO WOOD RATS EAT?
Wood rats appear to eat mostly plant material. Accordingly, items such as nuts, acorns, seeds, fruits, stems, leaves and buds commonly are eaten. Members of the species may be seen eating tree bark and fungi as well. Although some food is immediately consumed, wood rats also store food in their nests for seasons when food is less readily available.
Living in close proximity to humans makes life easier for wood rats. They enjoy the gardens that people maintain, and they will forage for food in kitchens, pantries and dining areas. Relying on their keen sense of smell, wood rats will discover even the smallest crumbs left behind from someone's meal. They target bread, fruits and vegetables, pasta, grains, nuts and seeds when they live indoors.
WHERE DO WOOD RATS LIVE?
From the Northwest Territories of Canada, throughout the U.S. and into Honduras, wood rats may be found. Most habitats are suitable for them, including mountains, deserts, plains and forests. Although many of them live in the wild, wood rats are quite comfortable living adjacent to or within man-made structures.
Wood rat nests can be large and complicated, featuring numerous rooms. An outdoor nest may be placed in a woodpile, shrubs or a rock crevice. Indoor nests are most likely to be found in attics and wall voids, but any portion of the building that is dark and relatively undisturbed can serve the purpose.
Nests may be constructed using plant matter and small sticks that are acquired from trees and bushes in the area. Wood rats will collect miscellaneous objects such as keys, coins, jewelry, insulation from buildings and stuffing from furniture and store it in their nest along with a cache of food.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY WOOD RATS
Unsurprisingly, wood rats in our service areas have often caused extensive damage to properties they inhabit. Landscaping can be utterly destroyed, and it is not unusual for these rodents to chew through wiring, which can cause electrical disruptions. Huge amounts of food may be spoiled as wood rats forage for their next meal.
Additionally, wood rats shred the upholstery on mattresses and other furniture, using it as lining in their nests. Members of the species will nest in pool equipment, air conditioning units and cars, sometimes chewing through wiring and causing other damage.
In the pack rat nest are found many diseases and various pests such as mice, brown spiders and kissing bugs.
When people see signs of gnawing or small fecal pellets, it is time to call in a pest management professional.
ARE WOOD RATS AGGRESSIVE?
Mainly nocturnal, wood rats typically prefer to avoid interactions with people. If they do encounter a human, they are most likely to turn tail and run. On those occasions when escape is impossible, the wood rat may stand and fight, using its teeth and claws to inflict damage. People can be seriously hurt or be infected with an illness after such an attack.
DO WOOD RATS CARRY DISEASE?
Like other rats, wood rats are responsible for spreading many diseases. One of these is the plague, which is caused by bacteria. People who have direct contact with an infected animal, or who are inflicted with the bite of a flea that is infected with plague, may become dangerously ill.
When people are exposed to the feces or urine of the wood rat, it is possible for them to be diagnosed with an illness called leptospirosis. Responsible for causing meningitis, kidney damage and liver failure, leptospirosis is an extremely serious disease.
People also may be infected with tularemia through direct exposure with an infected wood rat. This highly contagious disease can be fatal, but is effectively treated with antibiotics if it is diagnosed early.
HOW TO DETECT WOOD RATS
Signs that indicate a potential rat issue include:
• Droppings found inside a structure or near its foundation • Gnaw marks located on wooden structures, floor joists, furniture, boxes, cartons and more • Small items like coins, keys and jewelry are missing
HOW TO PREVENT WOOD RATS
To help prevent wood rat issues the following steps should be taken:
• Decant food into sturdy, pest-proof containers for storage • Refrain from leaving dirty dishes in the sink • Immediately wipe away crumbs and spills • Frequently vacuum to get rid of food crumbs on floors • Make it impossible for wood rats to get indoors by sealing up building exteriors • Keep tight lids on garbage cans • Eliminate yard debris piles and outdoor clutter • Get rid of clutter in attics and basements to minimize hiding places
HOW TO TREAT FOR RODENTS
Successful rodent control typically involves a series of steps, including trapping, poison baits, along with proper species identification.
Those who suspect a rodent problem should contact Newtown Termite & Pest Control. Our experienced pest control professionals know how to inspect a structure to determine the type and scope of the infestation involved. They will then execute the appropriate plan of action to resolve the specific rodent issue plaguing your home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
