Rat Problems

[foggy11 1]

Hi guys

 

Ive got a bit of a question.. a family member called me to say they had seen a few rats in the back garden so i went round to have a look being a keen air rifle man anyways the garden is pretty stripped out so no shed and all that just some bushes and a worn fence so no where really to hide.

 

There are two apple trees that dropped loads of apples last year and think thats what they have been after as well as other peoples bird feeders etc in their gardens. I looked around the garden and see afew dug holes under the fence and all that so come back in the morning with the .177 R10 to see what was about..

 

From a small hole under the fence at the back of the garden i see two heads pop out so took aim and dispatched one the other went darting back in the hole!

 

Ive had more calls to say they have seen more and was round all all afternoon saturday but did not see none myself until i popped in this afternoon on my way home from work and see a big bugger at the back of the garden.. but did not have my gun to hand

 

Anyways sorry for rattling on but has any of you lads or lassies got any advise on how i can get the sods to show them selfs a bit more so i can pop them off? Poison is not really a option as there is a dog who uses the garden!

 

They never seem to really show themselfs when ive got a full magazine and aimed up!

 

Thanks for reading my post folks

Edited March 25, 2014 by foggy11

[Matt 160]

Poison is not really a option as there is a dog who uses the garden!

Wrong.

 

Modern rodenticides, correctly used represent less of a danger to dogs than rat infestations.

 

Most local authorities offer free or subsidised pest control services, so they would be a good first port of call.

[Frontbum 76]

Mat is totally right, but I read on here I think that nutella mixed veg oil drizzled around your kill zone helps to bring them out, if your wanting a bit of sport.

[MR TEA POT 1,287]

Get a few traps set around if you not happy with poison,which is effective but boring? or as above enjoy some sport with your Airrifle

[MR TEA POT 1,287]

Liquified cat food is good as well,something the rats have to stay to eat instead of grabbing a chunk and legging it?

[foggy11 1]

First things first.. like the profile picture frontbum

 

I would love the sport but as you guys have said.. im more conserned for the dogs safety to be honest.. do you guys really think there is a infestation? I did think it was bad seeing them in the day light!

[Matt 160]

One rat is an infestation

 

In terms of safety, an average size dog would have to eat getting on for a kilo of bait for it to have any significant effect on it, and probably twice it's own weight in baited rats.

 

As I said earlier, live rats are more dangerous to pets than properly used rodenticides.

 

Get it sorted; it may seem like fun to shoot a few, but in a domestic situation those rats are leaving a trail of bacteria laden urine all over the place and need professional treatment ASAP.

[foggy11 1]

Your right Matt

 

Thanks buddy for your input and help i will do what i have to do..

[Millet 4,497]

Just bury a few a fenn's near the hole's around ther fence line and box them in to stop the dog standing on them..it's a pretty quick way of catching them but make sure you don't get any stones or soil under the trigger plate..

 

 

[Matt 160]

Don't forget that Fenns must have a tunnel over them by law

 

The tunnel not only stops non targets stepping on the trigger plate, but also gives the trap something to work against.

 

A few Fenns around livestock areas to pick up passing rats is a good idea. Trying to get control of a rat problem in a domestic situation with traps alone isn't; especially if it's new to you.

[Millet 4,497]

That's why i said box them in..