The woodrat, or packrat as it is sometimes called, is known for its odd characteristics. Unlike other rodents commonly found throughout the Doylestown area, the woodrat has a furry tail. Moreover, woodrats are recognized for their habit of collecting items to stash in their nests. These items could include an array of natural debris and shiny things that the rodent stumbles upon.
Like other rodents, woodrats are capable of rapid reproduction. The average female produces between two and four pups in each litter, and she may have four litters each year. Those babies attain sexual maturity at about two or three months of age. This means that no woodrat problem is ever a small one. Instead, such infestations are only becoming larger all the time.
Adept at hiding, woodrat control is not easy for most homes and businesses to accomplish. This is why it is imperative to hire a licensed exterminator to handle the job. Thanks to their extensive training, specialized equipment and access to commercial-strength chemicals, pest management professionals are able to eradicate even the most stubborn woodrat infestations.
WHAT DO
WOOD RAT
S LOOK LIKE?
People may be able to identify woodrats by their furry tails. Other noticeable characteristics include the rodent's size. With a body length of approximately seven inches and a tail that may reach a similar length, this is a relatively large animal.
The woodrat's body is covered in dense fur that may include colors such as black, gray and brown. The fur is long and has a fine texture. This rodent's body shape tends to be rounded and thick, which actually gives the animal something of the appearance of the hamster. Bulging black eyes and the oval-shaped, one-half-inch long feces are other identifying characteristics.
WHAT DO
WOOD RAT
S EAT?
Woodrats consume a wide variety of items in the wild. These may include vegetation and twigs as well as birds, insects and small mammals. Kitchens and pantries are enormously attractive to woodrats as these animals will eat practically anything. Peanut butter, baked goods, meat, vegetables, grains, seeds, nuts, pet food and more all may be infested by foraging woodrats.
WHERE DO
WOOD RAT
S LIVE?
Found in all regions of North America, the woodrat family actually consists of 20 species. This means that this rodent may be found in almost any climate and environment. However, the animal is particularly well-suited to living in close proximity with people, which helps to guarantee survival thanks to the ready supply of food, water and shelter. Even if a man-made structure is close at hand, the woodrat may still nest outdoors though nests also may be discovered in sheds, garages and other outbuildings.
Woodrats appear to prefer brushy areas with lots of vegetation or cluttered spaces in which to nest. A woodpile can provide a nesting site as does a burrow at the base of a tree. Some woodrats build a pile of sticks as a nest while others will climb into wall voids, attics and soffits to make indoor nests.
While the relatively solitary male is likely to build a smaller, more Spartan nest, the female will construct a more elaborate nest in which to raise her young. Occasionally, female nests grow so large that they become an obvious focal point on the property. The female may construct a separate room in which to store the small items that she steals from inside and around the house.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY
WOOD RAT
S
People who are dealing with woodrat infestations frequently complain of finding small items missing. These items may include coins, keys, mirrors, metal cans or little pieces of glass. A valuable item, like a wedding ring or other piece of heirloom jewelry, sometimes may go missing thanks to the woodrat's foraging behavior.
One of the more distinctive of the woodrat's behaviors is its tendency to drop something that it is carrying in favor of a more attractive item. Thus, a woodrat might drop a mouthful of twigs in exchange for a ring, earning the animal yet another name: Traderat.
In addition to discovering that small items are continually going missing, homeowners also may notice that woodrats cause considerable damage with their habit of gnawing on everything from documents and books to floor joists and wooden building frames. This is a common problem with all rodent infestations, and this chewing behavior can lead to house fires when electrical wiring is damaged.
Woodrats also make homes unsanitary with their indiscriminate elimination habits. Urine and feces build up with surprising speed, and exposure to these items can make people ill.
ARE
WOOD RAT
S AGGRESSIVE?
Biting and scratching are the woodrat's main responses to being trapped or confronted by people. Typically these animals prefer to avoid encountering humans, but they will turn aggressive if unable to escape.
DO
WOOD RAT
S CARRY DISEASE?
When woodrats attack with biting and scratching, they may spread rat-bite fever to their victim. Symptoms of this sickness may include swelling of the joints, headaches, vomiting, muscle pain and rash. People dealing with a woodrat infestation who are suffering these symptoms are encouraged to seek medical attention.
Leptospirosis also is spread through contact with the waste products of this rodent. With symptoms such as a high fever, red eyes, stomach pain, jaundice and vomiting, this is a serious illness that requires immediate treatment.
People who inadvertently come into contact with the saliva or urine of the woodrat may contract lymphocytic choriomeningitis, a disease that is characterized by nausea, vomiting, fever and extreme fatigue.
Even the fleas and ticks that woodrats carry may spread diseases such as the plague. Accordingly, it is wise to deal with woodrat infestations as swiftly and efficiently as possible.
HOW TO DETECT
WOOD RAT
S
Indications of a wood rat problem include:
• Visual sightings of rodents with hairy tails • Droppings that are oval-shaped and one half inch long • The home's human occupants frequently lose small objects • Marks from teeth and claws are found on items all over the property
HOW TO PREVENT
WOOD RAT
S
To help reduce rodent issues the following steps should be taken:
• Frequently wipe down kitchen surfaces to eliminate crumbs • Regularly vacuum floors • Do not store food on counters • Decant stored food into metal or glass containers that cannot be gnawed through • Place dirty dishes in the dishwasher instead of the sink • Seal up building exteriors to eliminate access points • Eliminate clutter around the property • Ensure that woodpiles and yard debris piles are at least 20 feet away from structures
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.
