Wood Rats Identification Guide

Wood Rat Identification Guide

Physical Characteristics

Wood rats belong to the genus Neotoma. They are medium-sized rodents that measure 6 to 8 inches in body length. Their tails are nearly as long as their bodies. The easiest way to tell them apart from Norway rats and roof rats is their tail. Wood rats have furry tails while common rats have scaly tails.

Their fur is soft and fine. The top of their body is grayish-brown while the underside is white or cream-colored. They have large ears and big, dark eyes. These features help them see at night since they are active after dark.

Adult wood rats can weigh up to 21 ounces. This makes them about the same size as Norway rats. Their feet are usually light-colored. Even though they are large, they look more like mice than rats. Their droppings look like those of other rodents but are a bit larger than mouse droppings.

Common Species in North America

• Eastern Woodrat (Neotoma floridana): Found in the eastern United States. Reaches 14 to 17 inches in total length. Grayish-brown on top with a white or gray belly. Lives in rocky areas and wooded habitats.

• Bushy-tailed Woodrat (Neotoma cinerea): Has a bushy tail that looks like a squirrel’s. Lives in western mountains. Color ranges from pale gray to nearly black.

• Dusky-footed Woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes): Native to Pacific coast states. Builds large stick houses. Has dark-colored hairs on its hind feet.

• Desert Woodrat (Neotoma lepida): Lives in dry areas of the Southwest U.S. and Mexico. Often builds nests in cacti.

• White-throated Woodrat (Neotoma albigula): Common in the Southwest. Easy to spot by its white throat patch.

Wood Rat Behavior and Biology

Wood rats are active at night and prefer to live alone. Unlike Norway rats that live in groups, each wood rat keeps its own territory and nest. A mother may share her home with her young. Wood rats are great climbers. They can move easily through rocky areas, trees, and buildings.

Nest Building

Wood rats are known for building large nests called “middens.” They use sticks, twigs, leaves, and almost anything they can carry. These nests can grow to several feet wide and tall. New rats often add to old nests, so middens can last for many years. In dry climates, some nests have lasted for thousands of years.

Hoarding Behavior

Wood rats love to collect and store objects. They are drawn to shiny items, odd textures, and anything they can carry. This leads to a funny habit. They often drop one item to pick up something more interesting. This is why people call them “trade rats.” Homeowners often find piles of stolen items in wood rat nests. These can include coins, jewelry, bottle caps, and small tools.

Reproduction

Wood rats mostly breed in spring and summer. In warmer areas, they may breed all year. Females usually have 2 to 3 litters per year. Each litter has 2 to 4 babies. The young stop nursing at about 4 weeks old. They can have their own babies at 2 to 3 months old. Wood rats live about 2 to 3 years in the wild.

Signs of Wood Rat Activity

Here are the common signs of a wood rat problem:

• Stick nests: Large piles of sticks and debris. Often found in outbuildings, rock piles, or under porches.
• Collected objects: Piles of random items like bones, seeds, shiny objects, and small household items.
• Droppings: Dark, pellet-shaped droppings. They look like mouse droppings but are a bit larger.
• Gnaw marks: Signs of chewing on wood, wires, and insulation.
• Urine stains: Dried urine spots that may have a strong odor.
• Nighttime noises: Scratching, running, and gnawing sounds, especially in walls.

Property Damage Concerns

Wood rats are less aggressive than Norway or roof rats. But they can still cause a lot of damage to your property:

• Electrical damage: They chew on wires, which can start fires.
• Vehicle damage: Wood rats often nest in car engine areas. They chew on wiring and hoses.
• Insulation damage: They tear up insulation to use for their nests.
• Structural damage: Large nests can harm siding, roofing, and foundations.
• Stored item damage: They chew through boxes, fabrics, and stored goods.

Treatment Methods for Wood Rats

Wood rat control usually involves several methods used together:

• Inspection: Finding nests, entry points, and areas where wood rats are active.
• Trapping: Snap traps and live traps placed near nests and travel paths work well.
• Bait stations: Tamper-proof bait stations placed around the property.
• Exclusion: Sealing entry points to keep wood rats out. This should be done after the population is reduced. Otherwise, you may trap rodents inside.
• Habitat changes: Removing brush piles, wood stacks, and debris that wood rats use for nesting.
• Nest removal: Carefully removing old nests after making sure they are no longer in use.

To prevent wood rats, make your home less appealing to them. Remove food sources and seal any gaps in your home’s exterior. Keep a clean area around your building to reduce hiding spots.

References

• Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management - Woodrats - Helpful resource on woodrat identification, biology, and control
• Animal Diversity Web - Eastern Woodrat - Scientific information on eastern woodrat biology and behavior
• University of California Pest Notes - Woodrats - Guidelines for woodrat control and prevention
• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks - Living With Woodrats - Tips for managing woodrat encounters