Hi Everyone

homely59 · #1 (**permalink**) 22-09-2008, 07:12 PM

I am new and will need time to get used to using the forums, so hope i am not putting this in the wrong place. I came across this website when i was looking for advice on rats in my garden. I love all animals and don't dislike rats, it is just that people scare me telling me that they carry such terrible diseases and could kill my dog, because of it. I have had one running backwards and forwards for months going into the next door neighbours ferret cage. I could cope with that once or twice a day, although it's huge. Just now though i saw a baby just outside my back door, eating the leftovers of my dogs bonio, i think. Now i am really worried that they could start breeding like mad and get in the house. I hate all the suggestions of how to get rid of them, because they all have bad affects even moving them to a safer place. I even read a post from someone who said that squirrels, birds and hedgehogs carry just as many diseases but i rarely see these and they keep their distance, whereas the rats don't seem to fear us at all. Big rat even ran across the bottom of the garden yesterday afternoon, when my son and baby grandaughter where out there. Seriously can someone please advise me of geniunely how much more risk are they, than anything else. It is the thought of them multiplying that really worries me. Would appreciate some help here, thanks in advance.

ron1863 · #2 (**permalink**) 22-09-2008, 07:18 PM

Hi and a warm welcome to WAB. We had rats under out decking and eventually contacted our local council who sent out the experts and the rats were gone in a week.

Ollie · #3 (**permalink**) 22-09-2008, 07:21 PM

Hi and a very warm welcome. Like Ron said I would definitely contact your local council as it sounds as though they are breeding.
Roger

Hedge Witch · #4 (**permalink**) 22-09-2008, 07:33 PM

Hi - welcome to WAB.

Sorry about your problem. I too am sure the council will help. To reduce the problem in the meantime you could try to ensure there are no open bins, bin bags, food waste etc in the area that might attract them. I realise it is not always easy to influence what happens in neighbouring gardens though

Good luck, keep us posted

Kayleigh · #5 (**permalink**) 22-09-2008, 07:43 PM

Hi and welcome to WAB

Dutchess · #6 (**permalink**) 22-09-2008, 07:55 PM

Hello Homely, and welcome to WAB.

I admire rats for their intelligence and successfulness, but it seems yours are getting a little too close for comfort. I wouldn't like it, especially with young children around. Call the council, environmental health ought to sort it out for you.

Let us know how you get on and then hopefully you can start posting away with happy emoticons!

Good luck,

D.

dmclean2 · #7 (**permalink**) 22-09-2008, 08:20 PM

Hi Homely,
Welcome to WAB, hope you have some luck with the rat problem , I think if you follow the advice given, and contact the council or even a pest control company they will help you out,
Duncan.

Forestman · #8 (**permalink**) 22-09-2008, 08:31 PM

Welcome!!! looking forward to reading your posts,meantime,I wish you well with the R*T problem....the advice I've read here makes sense.I live next to a farm and keeping on top of the little breeders is not easy....However,making sure they have as little to graze on is key (apart from calling in the council of course!!!)