Rat problem -any ideas please -fast?!

[carolyorkie2010]

Saw a rat on my bird table yesterday; looked round the garden today and saw 3 places where the rat has burrowed under the fence to the house at the back. Then this afternoon, saw a smaller rat in the garden, a young one! I hate them, but as I have 2 very small dogs don't know what to do about the problem. I've blocked in where the burrows were, but it looks as though I've blocked the rats in MY garden, instead of blocking them out! Will the local council do anything? Whatever is used has to be safe around my dogs. I'm going out into the garden with the dogs, not going to let them out on their own as the young one has got the scent of the horrible creatures and makes straight for the bird table. I've stopped feeding the birds. Would appreciate any thoughts on this please, before it turns into a big problem.

[claire1481]

Call the council, they will send someone but you will have to pay they will tell you how much, you get help if ur on benefits. That's prob best for you as you have dogs. You can get traps for rats if you want to catch hem ur self.do it ASAP.

[blugg_bug]

I'd hazard a guess, your garden isn't the cleanest 😉

[carolyorkie2010]

Well, there's no junk or clutter in the garden whatsoever, there is no grass, only decorative gravel; so I think it is very clean and tidy, but if rats are hungry and can smell food on a bird table, then they will do their best to get to it. Tomorrow I am going to cut down a shrub that is at the side of the bird table. Also might have a word with the neighbour at the back before I phone the council, as it appears that the rats have come from his garden (which is also very clean and tidy.) We have a shed and I am hoping that they haven't made a nest under that.

[peteryola]

Put cayenne pepper on the food on the bird table.  Birds cannot taste it, but rodents can - and rodents hate it.  after a couple of times getting a mouthful of that, they'll learn to steer clear.  Put the stuff down round the shed as well.

One thing - be very careful about not standing downwind of it when you sprinkle it; believe me - you really do not want that stuff getting in your eyes!

[fluffypenquin]

What a nasty comment blugg-bug.

When I was at work the company had a contract with a pest control company and the representative from that company said that it is a total myth that rats are found on messy or unclean properties - they will go wherever they can get food and/or warmth.

Can't imagine the grounds of Buckingham Palace are a mess, but they have a problem with rats as well according to the press. 

[ed_blackadder_1]

Rats are opportunists and if they smell something tasy they will pop in for a treat,  the first few years we were living here we had 3 visits from rats,  the first time I saw them I rang the council, who wouldn't come out as they were not an infestation and we didn't live in a council house.  We rang Rentokil and they said to stop feeding the birds for a while and see what happens, as we are in the country rats are everywhere you just don't see them. 

We stopped feeding the birds for a while and they disappeared.

The next time they came back OH shot a couple and they didn't come back for a long time,  over the very cold snowy winter we had they came quite often and we just let them feed.  We have trapped them and that seems to put the others off for a while. Baited the traps with peanut butter and put them where the cats would be safe.

Fingers crossed, touch wood we haven't seen any for about three years,

The best thing to do is to not make it easy and inviting for them. Clear away the bird food and anything else they might like. Block up the holes don't worry about trapping them in the garden they will find their way out when there is nothing to eat.

Try not to be frightened of them they are more frightened of you.   We still feed the birds and have three feeders full of seed and fat balls and they are out all year round.

Don't panic they might only be visiting.

[ed_blackadder_1]

There is a saying that you are ony ever 10 feet away from a rat,  so those who think they couldn't possibly have rats probably have.

Rats are like any animal or human for that matter, they are only looking for food and warmth,

(I am not a fan of rats but trying to get rid of every one would be fighting a loosing battle)

[saasher2012]

Just another comment I f you don't mind! Are your dogs fully up to date with their vaccinations rats are carriers of listeriosis. I am farming & I can assure you it has nothing to do with the way your garden is kept! It is winter all rats head to a cosier place at this time , what better than warmth & lovely bird seed, do not let it put you off the pleasure of feeding your wild birds!! Sam

[ed_blackadder_1]

Well said Sam,  I forgot about that, hubby carries a card for that as he works a lot in tunnels and in calverts in his job.

After our initial panic when we saw the rats we continued to feed the birds and went with the flow.  We have 2 dogs and one of them would definately give chase if she saw one being of working stock and she hasn't but they are fully jabbed, the other one is a lazy booger and just sits and watches out of the window.  Besides the rats arn't stupid they wont come out if there is anyone about in the garden.

[carolyorkie2010]

Yes, I thought it was a nasty comment from blugg-bug too, Fluffy. Yes, the dogs vaccinations are fully up to date, thanks, Sam; appreciate you mentioning it. Thanks to everyone for the helpful comments., much appreciated as always

[saasher2012]

Hi B A, your dog ain't lazy he's sensible , rats are nobodies fool my collies won't touch em! My terrier will & has some nasty scars to prove it. Rats fight dirty & take some killing& more than that they are intelligent as well. I did have another thought has any one got a broken sewer pipe that they don't know of? Sam

[captainbovine]

take no notice of blugg-blug...they've probably been waiting all day for a post like yours to vent their anger......woopydoo

[carolyorkie2010]

Yes, there's always one isn't there? The rest of you friendly, helpful peeps more than make up for it. xx

[saasher2012]

Your more than welcome, don't worry & don't let it put you off feeding your birds, can you move your bird table to a more open area, rats do not like to go into the open they always run along the edges where it's safe which is why it's safer to put bait & traps along the fence edge, we always. Put a trap in a pipe along the edge also you can get bait boxes which are safe to use so that other animals don't pick it up. Sam

[ed_blackadder_1]

Ditto Sam,  We moved our bird feeder nearer to the dining room window where the dogs sleep and little un will bark at anything that moves. If we are using traps we put them under a wooden crate with a small hole in it with a brick on the top,  nothing can get in there.

[saasher2012]

I'll remember that one great idea! Although I have to say I like your hubbies method I also get great satisfaction shooting the little beggers! Sam.

[saasher2012]

That comment was uncalled for & also without foundation!

[millielilac]

We live in a rural area and there are fields full of sheep , horses and donkeys nearby .....so free food for any rodents.

I did use to feed the birds but stopped after I saw a rat visit my garden one evening .....they will take advantage of any food going begging.

You really do not want them nesting under your shed so you are best calling in a rodent operator if you are seeing them on a regular basis ....although as stayed it may be at your own cost .

At a previous house we had a big problem with mice in the garage ...we stored a15kg sack of bird seed in there.........it attracted all the local mice ......

Much as I love to watch the birds feed it is not something I do anymore ....

[mygreyangel]

Apparently you need to be very dilligent about cleaning up any dog droppings as well, as supposedly that can attract the little buggers....... at least that's what council rat man told me!

Not always easy mind, my horror wanders underneath bushes and what have you and short of keeping him under constant surveillance, it would be impossible to "catch" every one.

Mind you your garden sounds a wee bit more tidy than mine.

I've had problems twice now, each time apparently following on from my adjacent neighbours having problems.

Second time was worst 2.5 years ago, they were in her loft and visiting mine too, arghhhhhhhh.

Although the exterminator put down poison at both sides and in other places as well, none was taken.  Touch wood though, they've never been back.  Daren't ever go into my loft now though!

Not all Councils charge btw, mine certainly doesn't for domestic properties.