How would you deal with rats ??

[mrsandman]

Hello All

Ok before I start , I am genuinely sorry if I offend rat lovers . I honestly do not know what to do next. Environmental Health came and put down poison. But still 3 months later , I am still getting rats. I stopped feeding the Birds ( feel so guilty ), but absolutely hate rats. Now , I am too frightened to go and start gardening because they just keep coming back . Irrational fear , I totally accept but would do anything to get my life back ..

[sidthelamp]

get a cat

[mrsandman]

If only life were that simple, Cats kill the Birds and I live near a busy road and would constantly worry about it getting knocked over ,

[sidthelamp]

If only life were that simple, Cats kill the Birds and I live near a busy road and would constantly worry about it getting knocked over ,

get a dog then, they will hunt rats

[crafters_corner]

I suggest you keep on to Environmental Health until the problem is eradicated.
My son had a rat problem: he lives next to a virtually unused path. The owner never clears any weeds, undergrowth etc. and it is a breeding ground for rats. They had an adder in their garden one day (shudders). It took some time, but they are now rat-free thanks to repeated visits from Environmental Health.

Oh....they do own a dog. It had no effect on the rat problem.

One other thing, make sure you get rid of your grass cuttings and other garden waste - don't keep it in sacks or anywhere for the rats to nest. I am speaking from experience here: we had rats who over-wintered in sacks of grass cuttings - but they found my car far more inviting!!!!!!

[mrsandman]

Thank you so very much Love-to-Stitch . I will do as you suggest. I also have a dog but she is old lol. I know it seems like madness but I genuinely detest them . I will aslo get this garden cleaned up from anything they could possibly nest in . Thanks again Angela

[astral276]

If only life were that simple, Cats kill the Birds and I live near a busy road and would constantly worry about it getting knocked over ,

Cats don't tend to get knocked over, they get squished.

[Oldandintheway]

Ever heard of the Bubonic plague

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_q4S7lZeik

[ChameleonSystems]

Be very careful. I have had Weils Disease from rats when I was a kid. Its no fun and it can kill you.

We get rats every few years because we keep chickens. I have tried a Humane Trap: that will just catch blackbirds and pulls their tail feathers out, so no good at all. Poor things they look very indignant when I let them go. Poison is a big no, because of the garden birds and our hens. Rats are messy eaters and will spread it everywhere if you are not careful where you put it. The only solution I have I have found successful is 'sudden lead poisoning'. Its quick and humane. When you get rats its important to find where they have their run so you can lay the bait a good distance from the hole. Then wait for them to appear, they are not shy, just nervous. Its not the solution for everyone, but I find its very effective. I clear them out and we won't see any for months or years after. An ordinary air rifle will do the trick, but you must put safety first and know the laws governing their use. If you can't shoot then there might be a local who will take the job on.

[mrsandman]

Hi , what do you mean by ' sudden Led poison' I know I sound thick but its it a type of Poison ? . Environmental health have put down something , but last time it never worked despite all the Bait being eaten.

I feel so sorry for my Birds as I have fed them regularly for years. I even have the pole type feeder and the little #### skin up it !! was watching one yesterday as he hung from the peanut feeder !! It is getting stupid as I haven't been out in my garden and consequently it is overgrown which they love. The Birds are practically lining up waiting to be fed lol. Today whilst I was looking up the garden a couple just ran across the patio in broad Daylight !!!!