Garden Rats

[ron1863]

My local council were excellent when we had rats nesting under our decking, they set poison under the deck, which was some sort of grain that was coloured a blue/green colour, probably the poison. The birds couldn't get it and the council came back every few days to check what was eaten and to replenish it if needed.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by ron1863

My local council were excellent when we had rats nesting under our decking, they set poison under the deck, which was some sort of grain that was coloured a blue/green colour, probably the poison. The birds couldn't get it and the council came back every few days to check what was eaten and to replenish it if needed.

You need to put the poison bait somewhere like your decking, as they will not use the box the rat man supplies..

[muldonach]

Originally Posted by willing to learn

Fen traps set under a tunnel on the runs if possible, Death is quick and it is unlikely to effect other wildlife. ALWAYS wear gloves when disposing of rats. And always wash you're hands after being in the garden if rats are present. I know somebody that died as a direct result after coming into contact with rats urine. My mate also lost his Spaniel through rats.
Regards
Colin

excellent advice and would endorse it totally - use a couple of sticks at either end of the trap tunnel to keep anyting bigger than a rat out. Tunnels are best made from scrap used timber (untreated) and if you cannot identify the runs put the tunnels against tg e garden walls or fencelines, rats will often run against a boundary.

cheers
mac

[Tobyh]

This sounds like the exact same position I am in. Lots of food out for the birds, followed by one adult rat which we left alone (1st mistake) then we also saw lots of little ratties running about.

I personally wasn't keen on poison so got myself a gun (air rifle). It's not a pleasant job and not one I can see your mum doing. Thankfully after dispatching the adult we seem to have a neighbours cat very interested in the area. Previously I chased him off, now he gets to stay as he's doing us a favour. I have'nt seen a rat all week despite being at the window for several hours on Tuesday (new lense arrived for camera!). I'm hoping they have moved on from me. One change I did make - I used to throw alot of loose feed on the ground for the birds + peanuts. I have totally stopped that and only fill feeders now.

*edit to add* - our council will deal with rats for free. This really surprised me as they charge the earth for anything else. If they did charge there would be many people not reporting problems.

TobyH