Wood rats may not be as numerous as other rodents commonly found throughout the Bucks County area, but they can cause massive headaches for property owners. Damaged electrical wiring, gnaw marks on various surfaces and contaminated food are just a few reasons why professional rodent control is the best treatment method.
WHAT DO WOOD RATS LOOK LIKE?
Wood rats have brown fur that may be tinged with gray. Their undersides are whiter. Tails are covered in fur, unlike other species of rat. Typically, the tail is slightly shorter than the combined length of the body and the head. Their large, rounded ears are virtually hairless and leaf-shaped. Whiskers are long, and the wood rats' eyes are large and black. Adults typically range between 12 and 18 inches in length and weigh between six and 13 ounces.
WHAT DO WOOD RATS EAT?
Wood rats prefer a plant-based diet. Accordingly, they wreak havoc on gardens and lawns with their appetite for grass, leaves, bulbs, flowers and seeds. They love a fruit orchard and nuts are another favorite. When wood rats make their way inside human habitations, they feast on food like grains, cereals, pastas and nuts. Any foods that are eaten by wood rats must be disposed of due to contamination.
WHERE DO WOOD RATS LIVE?
This species is capable of nesting anywhere, which is why it has become such a terrible nuisance in many areas. In the wild, they nest in hollow logs or trees. They also take advantage of underground burrows and cavities. Wood rats frequently are referred to as pack rats because of their tendency to build houses made of sticks. Some of these houses are extensive and may include more than one nest. The wood rat builds a nearby latrine that can be identified by a pile of droppings.
The alternative name pack rat also derives from the animal's proclivity for collecting small items. They are particularly drawn to shiny objects, which makes jewelry and utensils particularly high on their list of favorite items to carry back to their nest. Wood rats similarly look for fabrics and other fibrous materials that they can take to their house for nesting material or as insulation.
In and around human habitations, wood rats find numerous places to nest. They are most frequently found nesting around porches, attics and soffits. Nests additionally have been discovered in wall voids, ceiling voids and sheds.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY WOOD RATS
Wood rats are capable of causing extensive damage. Manicured landscapes are threatened thanks to the wood rats' appetite for plant food. In human habitations, they shred furniture upholstery and mattresses to obtain materials to bring back to their nest. Damage is frequently caused to air conditioning units and cars when wood rats attempt to nest in these places. Wood rats similarly may destroy pools and related equipment. Chewing through electrical wiring may cause considerable damage even if a fire does not result. Wood rats enjoy eating food that is intended for people. When they do so, they contaminate it with saliva, urine and feces. This food must be thrown away, causing further economic loss.
ARE WOOD RATS AGGRESSIVE?
Wood rat aggression is reserved for other members of the species. Nonetheless, wood rats have been known to bite or scratch humans and pets. These incidents typically only happen when the wood rat feels endangered by the proximity or behavior of the person or animal. Wood rats are mainly nocturnal, which makes daytime sightings relatively rare and helps to keep humans and rats from coming into frequent contact. However, this can change if the infestation becomes especially large.
DO WOOD RATS CARRY DISEASE?
While wood rats may carry several diseases that can be transmitted to humans, plague is the most notable among them. Fleas that bite an infected wood rat may spread the disease to people or domestic pets. Additionally, people who have direct contact with an infected wood rat may need to be tested. Symptoms of the plague may include headache, chills, fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Wood rats are further known to spread salmonellosis. Usually, consuming food or water that has been contaminated by wood rat feces is the means of transmission. The risk of getting salmonellosis is why it is necessary to dispose of any human food that is exposed to wood rats. Symptoms may include abdominal cramps, diarrhea and fever.
HOW TO DETECT WOOD RATS
The usual indications of a wood rat infestation include:
• A stick house found somewhere on the property or inside a building • Piles of rat droppings in or around structures • Scratching noises coming from behind walls or ceilings • Shredded clothing and furniture upholstery • Small, shiny items go missing • Rub marks from the grease on the wood rat's fur being deposited on walls and baseboards
HOW TO PREVENT WOOD RATS
Property owners should take the following measures to help prevent problems with wood rats:
• Do not leave pet food sitting out for long periods • Use caulk to seal small cracks and crevices that may provide entry points • Place sturdy metal screens over larger openings • Keep vegetation from encroaching on foundations • Trim limbs and shrubs so that they do not contact structures • Eliminate clutter in and around houses, garages, sheds and commercial buildings • Store food in metal or glass containers
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.
