Garden Rats

[3lilpigs]

Hiya!

Can someone help with garden rats. I've just spoken to my mom who loves all things natural...... including rats....and the garden!

After a winter of putting out copious amounts of feed for the birds.....she has now got rats in the garden.

Initially she thought it was one, but her exterior light kept getting set off last night and after inspection. She saw a big rat and 6 little nippers

What should she do, shes stopped feeding the birds, but shes stumped as to what to do now!

HELP

[Kymba]

Makes sure the area is completely cleared of all traces of food... And probably ring pest Control for advice..
When feeding Birds and other wildlife You will also encourage rats as it is an easy meal for them...
The areas need to been cleaned every day if possible.. Pick up all food that is un eaten clean area then put fresh food out in feeders and on tables..
I also wouldnt put any bird food down on the ground.. alway make sure it is up out of the way.

[3lilpigs]

thanks for that, is that gonna get rid of the rats though?

Ive found the other threads and shooting and traps are mentioned

[demicav]

Please try to avoid using poison, it gets into the food chain. The mum may move the babies on if the food dries up.

[Kymba]

Originally Posted by 3lilpigs

thanks for that, is that gonna get rid of the rats though?

Ive found the other threads and shooting and traps are mentioned

If You clean it up and dont leave food on the ground to encourage the rats they will soon move else where to find their food..

But ring your local pest control. ( local Council) and ask them for Humaine ways of getting rid of them. After all they are only doing what comes naturally to them...

[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

[3lilpigs]

thanks for all your advice I think she's gonna make sure the garden is clear and then ring the council. She does need to sort it (humanily) tho as its coming to the time of year when th egrandchildren will want to be playing in the garden!

[Kayleigh]

In my experience the council only put down poison in a box that the rats don't touch. Get a trap that will kill them straight out, and bait it with chocolate pushed into the spike so it won't fall off easy. That's what I did END of ratty..

[shirl]

I looked in my local business pages and found someone from a wildlife friendly company, you don't always have to use poison which can, as someone metioned earlier, get into the food chain and kill e.g. birds of prey. Hope you can sort the problem out, my rats in the loft are "quiet" so I rather hope they have gone back to the garden.

Shirl

[Dogghound]

Its important to clean up, also not just one clean but continually, this not only discourages rats but also helps prevent disease amongst the birds. As for the rats, you wasting your time getting them killed others will soon fill the gap they left, there are always rats around, to stop them staying longer than you want simply keep it clean.