When rats infest, they never do it alone. All it takes is a couple to start a massive infestation, and pack rats, in particular, build some of the messiest, most damaging nests of them all. Tearing insulation, wiring, and anything else they can haul off, by the time the evidence shows up, they’ve often been at it for weeks.
Pack rat infestations can be avoided with a close eye on the signs and quick action. Let’s take a closer look at how to spot pack rats before they become a problem, and how Burns Pest Elimination can help you keep them away.
Where Do Rodent Infestations Come From?
Rodent infestations can start small, but it takes no time at all to grow to massive scales. Mice, rats, and other small mammals like chipmunks and squirrels are all skilled climbers, able to enter your home from every direction.
Roof rats attack from above, often climbing into your attic from nearby tree limbs or scaling ductwork to reach secluded areas where they can reproduce undisturbed. Others, like sewer rats and certain types of mice, can hold their breath for extended periods, allowing them to travel inside through your plumbing.
Some rodents don’t need to be quite so creative. Given the chance, they’ll slip through an open window, scurry in under your carpet, or dash through the front door when you aren’t looking, quickly disappearing under furniture or appliances to avoid detection.
What Makes Pack Rats Different From Other Rodents
Pack rats, also known as wood rats, are collectors by nature. They gather a wide variety of materials for their nests, often targeting insulation, wiring, and other soft or easily shredded items they can use to build or line their living spaces.
Interestingly, their collections aren’t always practical. Pack rats are drawn to objects simply because they like them, like foil, bottle caps, and other shiny items, which often end up as decorations in their nests. This behavior suggests they may be drawn to more than just food left out in the kitchen, potentially increasing the number of hot spots around your home.
Is There a Pack Rat Nest in My House?
The best way to know if you have a pack rat nest in your home is to schedule a rodent control inspection with Burns Pest Elimination. Our experts have the equipment and expertise to track down not only the areas where rodents are present today, but also where they are likely to target tomorrow.
Even without an inspection, you can watch for these common nesting spots and warning signs:
- Under furniture. Look for shredded paper, fabric, or insulation tucked away in hard-to-reach corners.
- In outdoor grills. Pack rats often take advantage of unused barbecue equipment as shelter.
- In the attic. Listen for scratching noises at night or check for disturbed insulation.
- Inside walls. Droppings, gnaw marks, and faint rustling sounds can signal hidden activity.
What Attracts Pack Rats to Your Property
Pack rats are opportunistic and resourceful, so the more shelter, food, and materials they can find around your home, the more likely they are to stick around.
They’re especially drawn to areas that provide cover from predators and easy access to nest-building supplies, and there are plenty of them, from tight gaps between your kitchen appliances to the back corners of your closet.
Another favorite target of theirs is pet food bowls, both indoors and outdoors. The scent alone can draw dozens from around the neighborhood, and if it’s left out, they’ll keep coming back night after night.
Every time they do, they’re likely to bring more of their friends, so it’s always important to pick up after your pets are done and wipe the area clean to cut off an easy meal supply for pack rats and other rodents.
The Risks of DIY Rodent Pest Control
If you come across a rat in your home, even if you believe it’s dead, it’s best to keep your distance. Pack rats may be skittish, but they can turn aggressive when threatened, and their bites can cause serious injuries.
Rats carry several diseases, including hantaviruses, and can spread harmful bacteria they’ve picked up from other animals or contaminated food sources. Their teeth, often with a slight orange tint due to high iron content, are also extremely sharp.
They must chew constantly to keep them in shape, which is why they can cause so much damage to wiring, wooden structures, and other parts of your home, and your finger if you get too close.
Schedule Rodent Control With Burns Pest Elimination
A pack rat problem can spread quickly, so the sooner you act, the better. During a rodent inspection, we’ll pinpoint where they’re active now and uncover the entry points and nesting sites they’re likely to use next.
If you’ve noticed droppings, scratching sounds at night, or shredded materials tucked into hidden corners, it’s time to bring in the experts.
Contact us for a free quote and schedule an inspection with Burns Pest Elimination today and take back your home from pack rats and other destructive rodents.