Wood rats, or pack rats as they are sometimes called, are capable of causing major damage to buildings in Ewing. Property owners who suspect that these rodents have invaded their residential or commercial structure are encouraged to act fast. Getting on top of the problem in its early stages is the best way to minimize damage and exposure to life-threatening illnesses.
Wood rats are animals with interesting habits such as collecting small shiny objects like keys and coins. More than one wedding ring has gone missing thanks to this rodent's peculiar behaviors. Innately curious, wood rats work with determination to enter buildings. This is because they know that living in man-made structures makes life easier with access to food, water and shelter.
Unfortunately, close contact between wood rats and people is never a good idea. The rodents cause extensive structural damage with their teeth and claws. Moreover, they expel waste products that can make people sick while also contaminating food. With so many methods of causing harm to people and property, it is always wise to take swift action to get rid of an infestation.
Wood rats are a determined species that must be forced out of buildings. Rodent traps are not the only removal method that is required. When strict control measures are needed, the sensible path is to hire a pest management professional. A well-trained and experienced technician will use all available options to end the wood rat infestation.
WHAT DO WOOD RATS LOOK LIKE?
Most people expect to see rats with a scaly tail, but wood rats do not share this characteristic. All members of the more than 20 species of pack rat in Central and North America have heavily furred tails. This makes it easy to distinguish this rodent from others.
Other wood rat characteristics include bulging eyes and upright, hairless ears. Lengths of 18 inches, including the body and the tail, are common. Gray or reddish-brown fur covers the body while the feet tend to be white.
WHAT DO WOOD RATS EAT?
Eating a mainly vegetarian diet, it is easy for the wood rat to survive in any season and in almost any conditions. They will cache food to be consumed in leaner times. When these caches are concealed within buildings, they can become sources of mold, mildew and unpleasant odors.
The wood rat's main sources of food are buds, leaves, fruit, stems, seeds, acorns and nuts. Fungi and tree bark are consumed when other food items are unavailable.
When wood rats live indoors, they enjoy immediate access to a wide range of tempting foods. Any produce that is left on counters will be consumed, and bags of rice, flour, pasta and grains will be chewed through in moments. Bread, seeds, nuts and many other plant-based foods will be accessed and eaten. Any food items that show signs of contamination must be immediately thrown away.
WHERE DO WOOD RATS LIVE?
The range of the various wood rat species stretches from as far south as Honduras to as far north as the Canadian Northwest Territories. Accordingly, it is clear that this is an adaptive mammal that can survive in an array of varying climates and environments. This means that it is possible to encounter these rodents in forests, deserts, mountains and the plains.
Most wood rats live in wild, natural areas where they do little to no harm and form an important part of the ecosystem. However, wood rats can be especially successful when they live with or close to people, so it is not unusual to find large populations of them in Ewing and other cities.
Outdoor wood rat nests may be found in woodpiles, rock crevices and shrubs. Wall voids, attics, basements and other dark, relatively inaccessible places are common nesting sites within buildings.
Wood rat nests are surprisingly large and complex, including several rooms and caches of food as well as collections of coins, jewelry, keys, furniture stuffing, insulation and other items. The rodent will acquire small sticks from nearby trees and bushes as well as various plant matter to help with nest construction.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY WOOD RATS
A population of wood rats is capable of causing widespread destruction even if they never enter a building. More than one gardener or landscaper has been frustrated by the wholesale destruction that these hungry rodents can wreak outdoors. With their unfailing appetite for plant matter and seeds, these animals can make it impossible to start or maintain a garden.
The damage only gets worse when wood rats try to come indoors. Using teeth and claws, the rodents will pick away at tiny cracks in exterior walls, foundations and roofs. Though wood rats are relatively large, they are capable of squeezing through surprisingly small holes. This means that they can get inside even when the building's owner is convinced that there are no openings large enough to let a rodent inside.
The shredding and chewing continue once indoors. Much of the damage happens behind the scenes as the animals destroy wooden building frames, masonry, clay, brick work and more. They may chew through electrical wiring and cords, causing outages and fires. Plumbing lines may sustain damage as well.
Upholstered furniture is shredded, as is insulation and various textiles like clothing, sheets and towels. Documents and books may be destroyed. Artwork, children's toys and common household items all are vulnerable to damage. Even cars, air conditioning units and pool equipment can sustain serious damage.
ARE WOOD RATS AGGRESSIVE?
A cornered wood rat with no means of escape will react with aggression. Using their teeth and claws, they can cause harm that requires a trip to the emergency room. This is just one more reason why it is wise to call in a professional at the first sign of an infestation.
DO WOOD RATS CARRY DISEASE?
These animals may carry the bacteria that are responsible for the plague. This illness may be spread through the bite of an infected flea or through physical contact with an infected wood rat.
Exposure to wood rat droppings and urine can transmit leptospirosis, which can cause damage to the kidney, liver failure and meningitis.
The potentially fatal illness tularemia frequently is carried by wood rats. People who inadvertently have direct contact with an infected animal require immediate medical attention. A course of antibiotics can stop this sickness when it is caught early.
HOW TO DETECT WOOD RATS
Signs of a wood rat infestation include:
• Small, shiny objects are reported missing on the property • Several items are marked by teeth and claws • Rodent droppings are discovered anywhere indoors
HOW TO PREVENT WOOD RATS
To help prevent wood rat issues the following steps should be taken:
• Eliminate indoor and outdoor clutter • Block fissures and openings in the building's exterior • Keep landscaping neat and trimmed to get rid of hiding places • Use only pest-proof containers for food storage • Immediately put dirty dishes in the dishwasher • Do not leave produce and other food on the counter • Clean up all spills and crumbs • Clean kitchens and dining areas more frequently
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 Ewing area home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
