Rats in garden

[Di Willcox]

Hi , my name is Di , have fed the birds for two years in my garden without complication , but have noticed four rats around the base of the bird table today , which does explain the frequent visits of a splendid screech owl at night ..the swooping is a lot louder than I realised , stunning to watch , anyone got any advice as to how I can remedy the rodent affliction . Suggestions gratefully received . Thanks .

[goosey]

hello Di and a warm welcome. I also get immense pleasure from feeding the birds in our garden but have never been fortunate to see an owl in the vacinity.
Perhaps you put out too much food and it blows on to the ground which attracts the rats. There are some seeds you can buy which have already been shucked and shelled (if that's the right term) which leaves less mess. Sweeping up the debris every day sounds obvious other wise I don't know, but some one will be along soon who will! good luck.

[Kymba]

hello Di welcome to WAB..

I agree with goosey..Bird food that falls onto the ground will quickly attract rats it is best to clear away any that is on the ground daily and also wash your Bird tables regularly.. That should hopefully ease the problem.. Good Luck

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Kymba

hello Di welcome to WAB..

I agree with goosey..Bird food that falls onto the ground will quickly attract rats it is best to clear away any that is on the ground daily and also wash your Bird tables regularly.. That should hopefully ease the problem.. Good Luck

Sounds like good advise- yet the birds often spill food as they feed, especially when fighting + rats will come + take food during the day as birds feed if they don't feel threatened, so the rodents can feed as the birds do, so that strategy alone probably won't work, though it's prudent to make sure there's not too much food out at the end of the day.

If you have an owl I wouldn't use any rodenticides in case this effects any predators. Trapping or depending on your location somebody licensed to shoot perhaps to control them.