What Do Pack Rats Eat?

In houses, pack rats are active at night, searching for nest material and food, such as seeds, fruits and nuts.

What Do Wood Rats Eat?

Wood rats climb readily and are chiefly nocturnal; occasionally they can be observed during daylight. Their food is largely determined by varying local conditions and consists mainly of a variety of green vegetation including grass, leaves, fruit, nuts, small bulbs, bark, dry seeds and fungi. They also may be attracted to human food supplies in buildings.

How to Identify Pack Rat Infestation and Damage

Pack rat dens are commonly located on the ground and measure 3 to 5 feet in height and diameter. One animal may inhabit several nests, and in good feeding areas a den may be occupied for several years or a lifetime. Pack rats live alone except when mating or rearing young. It is possible for dens to circle small trees and shrubs, but is not common. Rarely do pack rats become numerous enough to cause more than very limited damage to flower or backyard vegetable gardens. Nationwide they are considered a pest of very minor occurrence; however, locally they may be relatively significant pests.

Are Pack Rats Dangerous?

Pack rats can cause extensive damage to your property. Not only do pack rats, or woodrats, damage and destroy landscaping, they can also chew through wiring and spoil food. Pack rats may also shred upholstered furniture and mattresses for lining nests. Pack rats seek opportunities to nest in cars, A/C units and pool equipment and will chew through wiring creating thousands of dollars of damage. They may take up residence in parked vehicles, gnawing on wires and other mechanical components.

Pack rat nests can also harbor diseases other and pests such as kissing bugs, brown spiders, mice and scorpions. Evidence that you have pack rats are signs of gnawing and fecal pellets. When pack rats, or woodrats, nest in buildings, they may utilize available foods within the building, but most often they continue to feed outside.