Rats

[Rob_H]

We live in the country with fields on all sides, we have about 1 1/3 acres of garden which has a low ditch running all of the way around the land. We have a chicken coop and about nine (rescued battery) hens living in the orchard, and, unsurprising for where we are I suppose, we have rats coming into the garden. They come in from the ditch/**** and are concentrated around the row of four compost heaps we have on the go, and the orchard coming in to steal the hen's food from the feeders. I'm trying RODEX poison in food near the compost heaps, but it's clear they've bred because we didn't see any all summer and now there are young one's running about. Short of buying a shotgun - next on my list - any tips on how to control these?

 

[StevieB]

Only think you can do is to eliminate all sources of food other than your poison. That might be easier said than done if you have chickens but its the only way to get at them. Otherwise they simply do not get enough of the poison to make a difference. Minimal feed in chicken run, store stocks in a tin rather than a sack etc.

I have used www.pestcontroldirect.co.uk for supplies and advice before - very helpful.

You could also go for the one shot poison that the pro's use, it has just become available for public use outdoors but as you live in the country you would need to think very carefully about whether you risk accidental ingestion by other animals etc as it will also kill them. The above site supply it and advise on it. The Rodex poison you are currently using needs multiple 'feeds' from it and takes up to 14 days to kill the rat, thus if they only eat a little (due to alternative food sources) you risk simply building up resistance instead. Other advice is to use the wax blocks in a container - prevents the rats taking the food and storing it rather than eating it, and you can keep track of what they are eating over time.

Steve.

 

[andycorleone]

I don't like them (I'm a dog person) but I everbody says cats are a effective solution

 

[wizer]

Well if you're a dog person too, then a couple of Jack Russels will have a field day.

 

[Raggy]

They like to nest in compost bins so make sure you keep them wet as they don't like it so much and it helps the compost compost quicker

 

[gatesmr2]

Hiya Rob

In the Fens myself we live in the middle of nowhere fields all around and have tried everything but you only get rid of them for a short time.

Only thing i can say works and is very effective is a cat like Andy said we had all sorts of problems mice rats etc etc once we got a cat no problem, but in saying that a friend has cows so has lots of straw etc laying around and he like Wizer said swears by his dog its a terrier of some sort and keeps things under control.

Basically you can lay traps poison,shooting, get rid of the food outside but they will still come you need a natural solution with four paws :twisted:
I prefer cats as they are a lot less work and make sure there territory is free of anything they don't want to be there.

Hope this helps a little

Martin

 

[matt]

Rats usually only hang around compost bins if there is cooked food in there.

Personally I don't see the point in poisoning wild rats or any pest unless it is coming too near your home or causing damage. I had to put poison down when we had rats burrow under the patio but, other than that, we just remove any food sources to keep them to a minimum in the garden.

 

[Ironballs]

Air rifle with food in the open where you can sight them

 

[RogerS]

Keep cooked food out of the compost bin. Try several layers of chicken mesh on the underside of the bins (assuming there are no other ways in). Can you keep the chicken feed raised away from the ground? I know that the chickens will eventually spread the feed all over the place but at least you've tried to eliminate one food source.

We no longer use poison outside as we have a very high bird of prey population round us - just a pity that they don't seem to like rats.

Currently got a large hole underneath a slab and over the last three nights have used a couple of traps and caught one rat per night. Most successful. Traps are best IMO. Unless you want to wait up all night with a rifle and night sight.

I reckon ours are coming from the local farm. They did have a rat-session the other weekend and got over 100 of the buggers in one of the barns.

 

[Losos]

We are in a very rural area too but luckily haven't ever seen any rats. Loads of mice 'tho.

I have found the 'Big Cheese' a good trap for mice 'tho it is actually sold as rat trap, it is much easier to set and dispose of bodies than conventional types.

And, yes, a cat or a dog will work wonders, probably a terrier but both of our Newfies can dig like a JCB and regularly unearth mice and moles.

I don't use poison ('coz of the dogs) and like others have said it is not particularly effective.

 

[Tusses]

I'm a dog person too , but we had mice and rats. we live on a modest 1/4 acre by the canal. My brother in law lives on farmland and had some ferrel cats from the cat protection. they keep the rats down a treat, so we got a couple too. we dont see any rats anymore

they just need a kennel type shelter and a small amount of food each day. they dont come near the house, but stay in the kennel, as its a constant supply of food. Now it's their home. Just enough food to keep em hungry ! else they dont bother with the rodents LOL

Look up the local cat protection in your area and give them a call. They are always happy to home ferrel cats !


oh - I guess you will need to keep the chickens penned up , else the cats might have em !

 

[Grinding One]

Years back I raised Show rabbits and developed a rat problem from a nearby creek.I got myself a Ferret and housed him in with the Rabbits ,the rabbits stomped their feet all night but I did not lose another baby rabbit after the ferrets came to live with me.Took them out to play after they got used to me feeding them and handleing them everyday...I put them under the rabbit house and here came all of the rats that I thought were gone.Everybody kids and me and the wife with shovels killing rats.But after a couple of more trys in the next few days rats were gone.It seems the Ferret is the prey animal of the rabbit and rat.The rabbits just got used to them and quited down after awhile.On a side note get a young Ferret to train,they can be quite nasty,kind of like a sewing machine with teeth.After they are calmed down and understand you do not mean them harm they are just like a cat.

 

[filsgreen]

G1, your life experience shines through in all your posts, love to spend a day in your company and down a few Buds. Maybe when the wife and I visit Boston or Toronto again, I'll give you a call and maybe meet up

 

[Digit]

I prefer Ironballs solution, far and away the most selective form of control.
I know my enemy, know when it's dead, know when I'm winning or losing and know that I'm not harming anything else.
Failing that a lot of rats would make for some very happy Jack Russells.

Roy.

 

[RogerS]

I prefer Ironballs solution, ....
Roy.

???? :?

 

[DaveL]

I prefer Ironballs solution, ....
Roy.

???? :?

Air rifle with food in the open where you can sight them

If you have the time then I must agree, knowing that only the rats are dying is good.

 

[RogerS]

I prefer Ironballs solution, ....
Roy.

???? :?

Air rifle with food in the open where you can sight them

wondered why Google didn't come up with anything.

 

[Losos]

On a side note get a young Ferret to train,they can be quite nasty,kind of like a sewing machine with teeth.After they are calmed down and understand you do not mean them harm they are just like a cat.

What a wonderfully descriptive phrase :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Digit]

Confucius, he say, man who keeps Ferrets gets bitten!

Roy.

 

[Grinding One]

G1, your life experience shines through in all your posts, love to spend a day in your company and down a few Buds. Maybe when the wife and I visit Boston or Toronto again, I'll give you a call and maybe meet up

Well thats sounds wonderful but I bet you have some pretty good ones too.