SIZE: Pack rats are mid-size rodents with bodies that grow up to 8 inches in length and with a tail that is a little bit smaller than the body.
COLOR: The pack rat has a brown, gray to a yellowish-gray color. Their underbelly of the pack rat is much lighter than the top of the rat.
BEHAVIOR: Pack rats get their name from picking up small, bright or shiny items and collecting them in their homes. They will take can tabs, bottle tops, pieces of foil, coins and gems. If a packrat is carrying items they will drop the current item they have and pick up the new one in a sense making a trade which is also why they are sometimes called the trade rat. They are mostly nocturnal rodents however they can be active during the day as well. Once a pack rat gains access to a structure and sets up their nest they will mainly eat their food from the building and not as much outside.
HABITATS: These rodents are not too common in Ontario but in some odd cases can appear. Most pack rats are amazing climbers and some actually will nest inside trees but usually they will live on ground or create a burrow for themselves to live in. They are not territorial which means multiple packrats can be found in one nest.
TIPS FOR CONTROL
The best way to keep this pesky rodent out is by not providing them with the harborage they desire. Follow these tips to prevent mice from entering your home:
