Woodrats are about the size of a common Norway rat but the tail is fairly well furred and looks like a short-haired squirrel tail. They are also well furred and have large protruding ears. Woodrats nest or midden built of plant material like branches, twigs, sticks and other debris. The huge, beaver-dam-shaped structures may be up to 4 feet across. They may be constructed in a tree or on the ground at the base of a tree, on rocky ledges but also in your attic, wood shed, or vehicles and machinery which are abandoned or parked for long periods. Woodrats also construct and use latrine areas which are piles of feces, often on a rock or other structure, which also contains a smelly sticky black tar like substance. Consequently, their stick nests can be extensive, and the latrine areas and droppings are objectionable. Like other rats the woodrat can carry diseases and ectoparasites.
The wood rat is active year-round, feeding during winter on vegetation stored during the previous fall. Diets vary, but wood rats will eat just about any plant that grows in their territory. Woodrats climb readily and are usually active at night.
Woodrats can become quite a nuisance around homes on the edge of town, vacation homes, cabins, outbuildings, and other infrequently used structures or buildings. They will take up residence in parked farm equipment and vehicles, gnawing on wires and other mechanical components, in addition to stealing treasures for their nests or building large nests in the vehicle or equipment. Woodrats are known to shred upholstered furniture and mattresses for lining nests. Damage to fruit trees, seedlings and saplings due to clipping small twigs and branches and debarking may also occur.
