Get to know the habits of pack rats and learn how to prevent an infestation.
Content Updated: August 14, 2025

Pack rats, also known as woodrats, are rodents that often make their nests in homes, garages, or outdoor spaces like sheds and woodpiles. Unlike other rodent species, pack rats are notorious for collecting and hoarding various items, which can lead to property damage and unsanitary conditions. Learn how to identify pack rats, understand their habits, and take proactive measures to prevent and manage rat infestations effectively.

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Identifying pack rats

Pack Rat Woodrat

Pack rats are medium-sized rodents with a body length of about seven to eight inches and tails that are slightly shorter than their bodies. Their fur is soft and fine, varying in color from gray to brown or reddish-brown, with lighter-colored undersides. Some may also appear yellowish-gray or creamy-buff, depending on the species. They have large ears covered with fine hair, adding to their distinct appearance.

Behaviors and habits

Pack rats get their name from their habit of taking small, bright, or shiny objects and hoarding them in their nests. They will take items like beer can tabs, bottle caps, bits of foil, coins, and jewelry. Often, the sticks or nuts the rat was carrying at the time are left at the site where the shiny object was acquired, earning them their other nickname, the"trade" rat. They are mainly nocturnal creatures but may occasionally be active during the day. After establishing themselves within a building, pack rats will feed on foods found indoors, but will continue to forage for most of their food outdoors.

Signs of a pack rat infestation

  • Nests (middens): Pack rats build nests using twigs, leaves, and collected items, often in attics, garages, or outdoor areas like woodpiles.
  • Missing small objects: Shiny or bright items disappearing or being relocated can indicate pack rats.
  • Droppings: Finding rodent droppings near food storage areas or along travel paths.
  • Gnaw marks: Evidence of gnawed wood, wires, or other materials is common with a pack rat infestation.
  • Noises at night: Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls, attics, or crawl spaces are telltale signs, especially since they are most active after dark.

Pack rat nests and hoarding

Hoarding is a defining characteristic of pack rats. They are drawn to shiny or unusual objects, often carrying them long distances to incorporate into their nests.

What are pack rat nests made of?

Pack rat nests are constructed using a combination of natural materials like twigs, leaves, and grass and the hoarded items they collect, like bottle caps, coins, or jewelry. The result is a densely packed structure that provides insulation and protection.

Where are the nests found?

Pack rat nests can be found both indoors and outdoors. Inside homes, they often build nests in attics, garages, or crawl spaces. Outdoors, they commonly nest in woodpiles, under decks, or among dense vegetation.

How large can pack rat nests get?

Pack rat nests can grow surprisingly large, sometimes reaching several feet in diameter and height, especially when located outdoors where space is less restricted.

Are pack rat nests easy to remove?

Removing a pack rat nest can be a challenge, depending on its size and the materials involved. Additionally, nests often harbor pests like mites or fleas and may require professional assistance for safe and thorough removal.

Pack rat habitat and distribution

Pack rats are found throughout the United States, except in a few states around the Great Lakes and the northeastern United States. These rats tend to be more of a problem in buildings in the western part of the country. Most species of pack rats are excellent climbers, and some are semiarboreal, meaning they will nest in trees. Others are ground nesters and will dig burrows in which to live. Numerous rats may occupy a single den.

Inside homes, pack rats often nest in attics, garages, crawl spaces, and wall voids, favoring areas with little human activity. Outdoors, they build nests in woodpiles, under decks, or in dense vegetation. Their excellent climbing skills allow them to access homes through gaps in walls, damaged screens, or poorly sealed windows, making it important to secure potential entry points.

Pack rat diet

Pack rats have an omnivorous diet, feeding on a variety of plant materials, seeds, fruits, and nuts. They are also known to consume small insects and scavenge on human food when available. Their diet often depends on the resources available in their environment, making them highly adaptable eaters.

Pack rats are most active during the warmer months when food sources are abundant, but they can remain active year-round, especially in milder climates. In colder weather, they may seek shelter indoors, where they can forage for food and nesting materials, making them a year-round concern for homeowners in regions with moderate winters.

Pack rats and human interactions

Pack rats are associated with a number of diseases that can affect humans, including hantavirus and plague. Hantavirus is transmitted through contact with contaminated droppings, urine, or nesting materials and can cause symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and respiratory distress. Plague, spread by fleas carried by pack rats, can lead to fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and more severe complications if left untreated.

Do pack rats bite humans?

While pack rats rarely bite humans, they may do so if cornered or threatened. They are not inherently aggressive but will defend themselves when necessary.

Their presence, however, poses more of a threat through the damage they cause to homes. Pack rats are notorious chewers and can gnaw on wiring, insulation, and structural components, increasing the risk of electrical fires and costly repairs. They can also contaminate food storage areas and create unsanitary conditions with their droppings and urine.

The historical significance of pack rat middens

Pack rat middens have historically provided scientists with valuable insights into ancient ecosystems. These nests, often preserved for thousands of years in arid climates, contain plant remains, bones, and other materials collected by the rats. By analyzing the contents, researchers can reconstruct past environments, study climate change, and better understand how ecosystems have evolved over time.

Pack rat prevention

To avoid pack rat infestations, minimize conditions that attract them and block potential entry points. Pack rats seek food, shelter, and nesting materials, so taking proactive steps can make your home less appealing:

  • Store firewood properly: Keep firewood stored as far from the home as possible and off the ground. During winter, only store enough wood near the house to last a few days.
  • Clear debris: Remove piles of debris, stones, bricks, or other materials near your home’s foundation, as these provide ideal nesting sites.
  • Seal cracks and holes: Close any openings larger than a quarter inch with steel wool or wire mesh before sealing with caulk or foam to prevent rodents from chewing through.
  • Install weather stripping: Use thick weather stripping on the bottom of doors and ensure the door from the garage to the house is tightly sealed.
  • Secure food and trash: Store food in airtight containers and use tightly sealed garbage bins to limit attractants.

Professional rat control solutions

Pack rats can be difficult to manage on your own, especially due to their rapid reproduction and adaptability. Terminix offers comprehensive rat control services to ensure your home remains protected.

  • Inspection and assessment: Our experts conduct a thorough inspection to identify pack rat activity, nesting areas, and potential entry points.
  • Targeted treatment: We implement customized solutions to effectively eliminate pack rats from your property.
  • Wildlife exclusion: Our team seals entry points and installs barriers to prevent future infestations, ensuring long-term protection.

With Terminix’s professional expertise, you can trust us to handle even the toughest infestations. Schedule a free inspection today.