May 17 – National Pack Rat Day

A pack rat is a rodent of the genus Neotoma, found in North and Central America. They are also known as woodrats or trade rats. Pack rats are about the size of a squirrel, with long tails and large ears. They are nocturnal and build nests out of sticks, leaves, and other materials. Pack rats are known for their habit of collecting and hoarding objects, which is where they get their name. They will collect anything they find, including food, tools, jewelry, and even human hair. Pack rat middens, or piles of collected objects, can be quite large and can provide valuable information about the environment and history of the area.

Pack rats can be a nuisance to humans, as they can damage property and spread disease. They can also be a fire hazard, as their nests can catch fire. If you have a pack rat problem, there are a number of things you can do to get rid of them, including sealing up any holes in your home, setting traps, and using pesticides.

Here are some additional facts about pack rats:

• They are solitary animals and only come together to mate.
• They have a lifespan of about 2 years.
• They are herbivores and eat a variety of plants, fruits, and seeds.
• They are preyed upon by coyotes, hawks, and owls.
• They are considered to be a keystone species, meaning that they play an important role in the ecosystem.

Pack rats are fascinating creatures that play an important role in the environment. While they can be a nuisance to humans, they are also an important part of the ecosystem.

The terms “hoarder” and “pack rat” are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two. A hoarder is someone who has a compulsive need to acquire and keep possessions, even if they are useless or worthless. A pack rat is someone who collects and stores items, but does not have the same level of emotional attachment to them as a hoarder.

Here are some of the key differences between hoarders and pack rats:

• Hoarders have a strong emotional attachment to their possessions. They may believe that the items will be needed in the future, or that they have sentimental value. Pack rats, on the other hand, do not have the same emotional attachment to their possessions. They may simply enjoy collecting things, or they may feel that they need to save everything in case it comes in handy later.
• Hoarders often have difficulty discarding items, even those that are broken, useless, or worthless. Pack rats, on the other hand, are more likely to get rid of items that they no longer need or want.
• Hoarders’ homes are often filled with clutter, which can make it difficult to use the space. Pack rats’ homes may also be cluttered, but it is usually not to the same extent as a hoarder’s home.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be a hoarder, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you to understand the disorder and develop strategies for managing it. With treatment, it is possible to overcome hoarding and live a more fulfilling life.

Hoarding is a mental disorder characterized by the persistent difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of their actual value. People with hoarding disorder typically feel a strong emotional attachment to their possessions, and they may believe that they will need them in the future. This can lead to the accumulation of large amounts of clutter, which can interfere with daily living.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when keeping things crosses the line and becomes hoarding. However, there are some signs that may indicate that someone has a hoarding problem. These include:

• Difficulty discarding items, even those that are broken, useless, or worthless
• Accumulation of clutter that fills living spaces and makes it difficult to use them
• A strong emotional attachment to possessions
• Belief that possessions will be needed in the future
• Social isolation due to embarrassment or shame about the clutter

If you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding, there are resources available to help. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a helpline and support groups for people with hoarding disorder. There are also a number of books and websites that can provide information and support.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have a hoarding problem, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you to understand the disorder and develop strategies for managing it. With treatment, it is possible to overcome hoarding and live a more fulfilling life.

Here are some additional information about hoarding:

• Hoarding disorder is a mental illness that affects about 2-6% of the population.
• Hoarding disorder is often accompanied by other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Hoarding disorder can have a significant impact on a person’s life, including their physical health, social relationships, and ability to work.
• There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for hoarding disorder, but there are a number of effective treatments available, including therapy and medication.
• If you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding disorder, there are resources available to help. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a helpline and support groups for people with hoarding disorder. There are also a number of books and websites that can provide information and support.

Hoarders often use Rubbermaid totes to store their belongings. Rubbermaid totes are a convenient and affordable way to store large amounts of items, and they are also relatively easy to move around. This makes them a popular choice for hoarders, who often have large amounts of clutter that they need to store.

Rubbermaid totes come in a variety of sizes and colors, so hoarders can find the perfect totes to fit their needs. They are also made from durable materials, so they can withstand the wear and tear of being stored in a cluttered environment.

In addition to being a convenient way to store belongings, Rubbermaid totes can also help to prevent hoarding from getting out of control. By storing their belongings in totes, hoarders can see what they have and make decisions about what they need to keep and what they can get rid of. This can help to reduce the amount of clutter in their homes and make it easier to live in a clean and organized environment.

However, it is important to note that using Rubbermaid totes does not mean that someone is a hoarder. Hoarding is a mental disorder that is characterized by the persistent difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of their actual value. If you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding, it is important to seek professional help.