Packrat (Woodrat) Control

 

Packrats or woodrats have a rat-like appearance with long tails, large ears and large black eyes. Compared to deer mice or meadow mice, pack rats are noticeably larger and are usually somewhat larger than cotton rats.  Woodrats reach their greatest diversity in the deserts of the western United States and northern Mexico.  They can be a considerable pest particularly here in the southwest.

Packrats build complex houses or dens made of twigs, cactus joints, and other materials. These contain several nest chambers, food caches, and debris piles.  Some species will use the bases of prickly pear or cholla cactus as the sites for their homes.  These nest builders will use plant material such as branches, twigs, sticks, and other available debris.  Getting into everything from attics to car engines, and damaging costly electrical wiring to homes and cars along the way.

Trapping
Trapping packrats can be an effective method of control.  Trapping has several advantages: 1) it does not rely on inherently rodenticides; 2) it permits the user to view his or her success; and 3) it allows for disposal of trapped rats, thereby eliminating odor problems which may occur when poisoning is done within buildings.

Rat bait tips

We have good success with the Trapper T-REX.  It is Bell Labs’s ‘go to’ trap in its line of reliable traps. The Trapper T-REX offers superior rat capture.

Patented, interlocking teeth make rat escapes virtually impossible. The trap is a perfect combination of trigger sensitivity and trap velocity — speed and responsiveness ensure capture. Extensive field and laboratory testing fine-tuned Trapper T-REX to optimum specifications. Safer and easier to use than competitor’s snap traps, Trapper T-REX can be readily set by foot safely on the ground. Press the trap open like a pedal, keeping fingers free and safe. Bell included a removable bait cup that inserts from the bottom of Trapper T-REX.

The cup can be withdrawn and re-inserted without the trap being set, which greatly enhances safety and ease of use. Use the T-REX along rat pathways. Try baiting with peanut butter, bacon, fruits, vegetables, cereals, meats, and acorns for wood rats (pack rats).

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For added protection use the Protecta Evo Express Bait Station

Baiting
Contrac® All-Weather Blox™, is now available with an amended label for approved use on 11 additional species including the Woodrat or (Pack Rat).

Rodent & Animal Control

Protecta Evo Express Bait Station

$24.95
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Equipment & Parts

Protecta Evo Key

$0.69
$35.95$109.95

Rodent & Animal Control

Protecta Evo Ambush Bait Station

$19.95$93.95

Rodent & Animal Control

Protecta Evo Circuit Bait Station

$17.95$98.95

Rodent & Animal Control

Contrac Blox Rodent Bait

$104.99$124.95
ProtectaLPplacement

Rodent Bait Stations such as the Protecta Evo Express, or the Protecta LP are used extensively for exterior perimeter protection. They are also great for perimeter protection around the home or next to piles of firewood or excessive harborage areas. Whether you are in a rural area (mesas, mountains, woods) or in an urban environment, these stations will provide you with year round protection from foraging rodents. The ideal spacing for Protecta LP’s range from 20 ft. to 50 ft. A lot of homes keep no less than four. One for each side of the house.