Rodent

Bushy-tailed Woodrat

Neotoma cinerea

Moderate Risk

Biology

Neotoma cinerea is a large woodrat, 30–45 cm total length including a bushy, squirrel-like tail. It has soft gray-brown fur, large ears, and a white belly. It builds above-ground stick houses called middens in rocky areas and forests.

Behaviour

Bushy-tailed woodrats are nocturnal hoarders that collect sticks, twigs, bones, and shiny objects to construct large nests. They feed on vegetation, fungi, and conifer needles. They readily occupy attics, sheds, and outbuildings.

Habits

Indoor infestations produce noisy gnawing, accumulations of sticks and debris, foul odors, and parasite concerns. Their middens can block vents and create fire hazards when built near electrical fixtures.

Control methods

1Inspect attics and outbuildings for nests and shiny-object caches
2Seal all roof and foundation gaps >1/2 inch with metal flashing or mesh
3Remove attractants: pet food, birdseed, unsecured garbage
4Use live traps or snap traps baited with peanut butter or fruit
5Clean nesting material with disinfectant and respirator-grade PPE
6Reduce indoor clutter that provides harborage

Tailored to Bushy-tailed Woodrat

IPM Procedure Checklist

View full procedure

Step 1

Inspection

Locate runways, droppings, rub marks and gnaw damage
Identify entry points (gaps ≥6 mm) and harborage
Place tracking patches or non-toxic monitors

Step 2

Identification

Confirm Bushy-tailed Woodrat (Neotoma cinerea) — not a look-alike
Note life stage and risk level: Moderate
Capture clear photos and samples for the record

Step 3

Action Thresholds

Trigger action when monitor counts trend up
Re-evaluate weekly during active season
Document trigger criteria in the IPM plan

Step 4

Prevention

Exclude with steel wool, hardware cloth and door sweeps
Trim vegetation 0.5 m from structure; clear debris
Secure trash, pet food and stored grain

Step 5

Control Methods

Inspect attics and outbuildings for nests and shiny-object caches
Seal all roof and foundation gaps >1/2 inch with metal flashing or mesh
Remove attractants: pet food, birdseed, unsecured garbage
Use live traps or snap traps baited with peanut butter or fruit

Step 6

Monitoring & Evaluation

Service monitors on schedule and trend captures
Re-inspect for Bushy-tailed Woodrat activity at follow-up
Adjust tactics based on data; report findings to client