McSparkie 0 Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 I've been asked if I'd help out clearing out a farm of its rat population some night soon, with my .22 air-rifle. I've been trawling the posts, but am getting nowhere fast. Can you post up your top tips to help ensure I don't look a complete wally, please? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
earth&hounds 94 Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 I've been asked if I'd help out clearing out a farm of its rat population some night soon, with my .22 air-rifle. I've been trawling the posts, but am getting nowhere fast. Can you post up your top tips to help ensure I don't look a complete wally, please? dont forget your gun mate sit and wait Quote Link to post Share on other sites
essexjed 1 Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 try to pre bait certain areas with sections of mars bars, they love em.......must be done over a couple of weeks if you have the time... good luck Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Rod&dog Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 MASKING TAPE YOUR SOCKS TO YOUR TROUSERS IF YOUR A BIG WUSS. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fireman 10,858 Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Use a bait that they can't run off with,something like chocolate spread or peanut butter.Then sit and wait and remember your back drop when shooting. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
McSparkie 0 Posted August 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 MASKING TAPE YOUR SOCKS TO YOUR TROUSERS IF YOUR A BIG WUSS. Have you been looking? BTW, It's 'The Haggis' not The Wuss' Quote Link to post Share on other sites
McSparkie 0 Posted August 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Ok, so: nail down some Mars Bars, slather Nutella and peanut butter around (I though that was for squirrels) - if possible for a couple of weeks beforehand. I've heard old catfood does a good job too, or is it too easily taken away? My 'lamp' (fancy torch actually) is either white or an amber (filter). Do I need to source a red filter or doesn't it matter? Do I need to wear all my camo stuff, or will it be useless at the close ranges I imagine we will be shooting at? Do I need to worry about the blood (manky rat stuff, not me being squeamish!)? Do the bodies need to be burned? Will it be our responsibility or the farm owners? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
the Verminator 0 Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Ok, so: nail down some Mars Bars, slather Nutella and peanut butter around (I though that was for squirrels) - if possible for a couple of weeks beforehand. I've heard old catfood does a good job too, or is it too easily taken away? My 'lamp' (fancy torch actually) is either white or an amber (filter). Do I need to source a red filter or doesn't it matter? Do I need to wear all my camo stuff, or will it be useless at the close ranges I imagine we will be shooting at? Do I need to worry about the blood (manky rat stuff, not me being squeamish!)? Do the bodies need to be burned? Will it be our responsibility or the farm owners? peanut butter spread around or if u can some liquidised cat food around where u want to shoot, sit and wait with a red filtered light, ware dark clothing, no need to worry bout blood as you shouldnt touch rats with your bare hands any way, burn the bodies at the fire site, looks better if you do it rather than leaving dead rats about the place Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Malt 379 Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 I think I read somewhere that broken eggs are a good bait, never tried it though. I did use some hermit crab once, out of a huge onion sack full that a mate gave me for fishing. Worked a treat! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pencoed hunter 7 Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Flake is a good bait for rats. Crunch it all up then when the rats come they cant grab it and run they have to stay there and eat it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
scent 509 Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 peanut butter is excellent bait works for me every time Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pencoed hunter 7 Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 peanut butter is excellent bait works for me every time I have the same trap as you do you use peanut butter on a bit of bred? and any other tips for the trap because iv only caught one by me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
scent 509 Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 a lump of toffee stuck on the hook and then smear peanut butter on the chocolate iv caught heaps of em on that bait ,its never let me down Quote Link to post Share on other sites
andy s410c 59 Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 As previously posted pre-bait if possible,i use peanut butter certainly gets their noses twitching & they can't run away with it .If using a gun lamp(i use a red filter) keep it down to the minimum so you can make their eyes out & you won't ruin your nightvision..then just send the lead earing on it's way .Dispose of the bodies properly,burn them if possible....& let the landowner know how many you've bagged keeps it sweet . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bill88 6 Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Be prepared to be dissapointed.It takes lots of preparation and lots and lots of patience.I'd start with prebaiting,i used to use liquidised cat or dog food.Get them used to some form of lighting as well,cos if you try putting a lamp on them they will be gone pronto.Once you have evidence that they are feeding,your half way there. Most importantly,use a backstop (thick plywood sheet) and make sure that no livestock are likely to be hit by a stray pellet.Best of luck. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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