Comprehensive Pack Rat Control & Removal
Are Pack Rats Dangerous to Your Property?
They cause thousands of dollars in damage annually to Arizona homeowners by chewing through vehicle wiring, HVAC conduits, and pool equipment. They also host parasites like "kissing bugs" which can transmit diseases.
What Are Pack Rats?
Also known as woodrats, they are native desert rodents recognizable by large ears, dark eyes, and furry tails. They are notorious hoarders, collecting shiny objects and cactus to build massive nests called middens.
Top Signs of a Pack Rat Infestation
The most glaring sign is a midden: a large pile of sticks, cactus, and trash at the base of a tree, under an AC unit, or inside a car engine. You may also find chewed wiring and a strong odor of urine.
How to Prevent Pack Rats
Keep desert landscaping manicured and thin out dense vegetation like agave and prickly pear. Never leave vehicles parked undisturbed outdoors. Leave the hood open slightly or install LED lighting, as they hate bright light.
The Antidote
Eradicating pack rats requires trapping the active rodents and performing complete nest (midden) removal. We clean and sanitize the nesting area to remove pheromones that attract new pack rats to the exact same spot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pack Rats
Will mothballs keep pack rats out of my car engine?
No. Mothballs are ineffective at deterring determined pack rats and are highly toxic to pets and humans when the fumes are sucked into the car's cabin through the AC system.
Why do pack rats build huge nests of sticks?
These nests, called "middens," insulate them from extreme desert temperatures and fortify their home against predators. They are often held together by a crystallized substance called amberat, made from their urine.
Do pack rats carry diseases?
Yes. While the rats themselves carry diseases, the biggest threat is the parasites they bring. Pack rat nests are breeding grounds for kissing bugs (conenose bugs), which can transmit Chagas disease.
Can I just poison the pack rat?
Poisoning is not recommended. If a poisoned rat dies inside its midden (e.g., in your car engine), it creates a severe odor. Poisoning also risks killing native predators like owls that eat sick rats.
How do you stop pack rats from chewing car wires?
They chew wires to file down growing teeth. Park in sealed garages or use exclusion techniques like leaving the hood up and installing bright LED lights in the engine bay, as they avoid exposed, bright areas.
Will another pack rat move in if I remove the current one?
Absolutely. Pack rat urine contains powerful pheromones. If you trap the rat but fail to completely remove the midden and sanitize the area, a new pack rat will move in within weeks.