How do I tell a roof rat from a pack rat?

The easiest field identification: pack rats have a white or cream-colored belly and a slightly hairy tail shorter than their body. Roof rats are dark brown to black with a scaly tail longer than their body. Pack rats also build large stick-and-debris nests called middens.

What damage do roof rats cause?

Roof rats gnaw on electrical wiring (a leading cause of house fires), contaminate insulation with droppings and urine, eat citrus fruit, and can transmit leptospirosis and salmonellosis.

What damage do pack rats cause?

Pack rats are notorious for destroying vehicle wiring harnesses, building large middens in garages and yards, and stealing small shiny objects. They can transmit hantavirus through their droppings.

Can I use the same trap for both species?

Large snap traps work for both, but placement and bait differ. Roof rats are trap-shy and need traps placed along their travel routes. Pack rats are less neophobic and respond well to nesting material as bait.

Roof Rat vs. Pack Rat: Key Differences in Arizona

Back to Blog9 min readPinal County, AZ

Arizona homes are targeted by two very different rodents. Learn how to tell roof rats and pack rats apart, and why the distinction matters for control.