Roof Rat Vs Pack Rat

How to identify pack rats.

Roof rat vs pack rat.

In simple terms muskrats look much more like beavers than they do rats. Pack rats are not true rats. Also known as black rats roof rats have black or dark brown colored fur with a lighter underside. Pack rats also known as woodrats have large eyes and long whiskers.

Those of the rattus genus the most well known being the roof rat and the norway rat are considered direct relatives and true rats. They have long hairless tails that measure longer than its entire body. Arizona is home to many of these rodents and as they have become a plague you may want to check out how to identify them. Roof rats rattus rattus are most likely to be found nesting in attics and other high up places such as ceilings tall cabinets and the inside of walls.

Roof rats are not as common as norway rats. Pack rats carry diseases including the plague and their dens and droppings are also a health hazard. They re typically found within 100 miles of the gulf coastline or the coastline of the western united states. Whereas the pack rat is not actually a rat.

Pack rats get their unusual name from their habit of stealing and storing household items. All true rats belong to the genus rattus and include such notable characters as the black rat rattus rattus often called roof rats and the brown rat rattus norvegicus often called norway rats. As a forager the az pack rat has a tendency to gather small shiny objects. Pack rat nests also harbor diseases other pests such as kissing bugs brown spiders mice and scorpions.

Roof rats have black fur not as coarse as the coats of norway rats. These rats originated in asia and are usually referred to as old world rats. Evidence that you have pack rats is gnawing and fecal pellets. Unlike many species of rat they are excellent climbers and build their nests indoors where the heat rises and keeps them warm.

They can easily make their way up trees and often do so to gain access to residences and businesses through rooftops. Facts about rats roof rat or black rat. They make nests out of branches sticks and other forms of rubble. They are about 30cm long and their tails account for half of their length.

The tendency to stash things attracts lice fleas snakes spiders and other critters. When wood rats nest in buildings they may utilize available foods within the building but most often they continue to feed outside. A pack rat has brownish grey fur on its back and sides with a lighter underbelly. Roof rats are strong climbers.