Pack Rat/Wood Rat
Few rodents cause such expensive problems as the Pack Rat. Known for their vast collections of random objects stored in their nests, the pack rat is also recognized as a destructive force. With teeth that grow continuously, these pests utilize chewing to grind them down. Whether it's bricks, sticks, or vehicle wires, these rodents will chew on it.
Keeping your property clear of debris and low hanging cacti and plant life will help to dissuade these and other pests from settling in the vicinity. Not only can pack rats cause significant damage to pool pump assemblies and vehicle engine compartments, but they also travel quite frequently with Kissing Bugs, which carry health hazards of their own.
Feeding pets and wild animals outside in the yard can eventually lead to problems with pack rats, ground squirrels, and mice. Retrieving a pets food and water dishes while the animal is inside for the night may help prevent rodents from moving in.
Luckily, there are a variety of ways to handle a pack rat problem. Getting to work when the issue is first discovered is key, as their populations can boom with months.