BeverleyJ

I have to recommend Leepy (Lee Rogers, S6 Handyman Services) again for his promptness, friendliness and efficiency. Yesterday he changed a radiator and replaced a set of taps (as well as doing washers on another set) - all quite quickly and for a moderate price, especially considering he also had to locate and buy the new items. He seems to have a very wide range of skills - have booked him in to replace some shelving. I've got tired of phoning and texting people - and not getting replies - so I'm delighted to have found Leepy.

I'd strongly recommend Leepy (Lee Rogers, S6 Handyman Services). He's prompt, friendly, works efficiently and definitely does not over-charge. He's just replaced the hinges on our shed door and fixed a grate. I've 'booked' him to change a radiator, replace one set of taps and fix the washers on another set, and redo some cupboard shelving - so I must have been impressed!

Another recommendation for Craig of CB Gardening Services. He turned up promptly to quote me for a general clean-up of smallish garden (including weeding, pruning and edging) that had got a bit out of control. I was very satisfied with the job and the cost - the garden looks 'like new'. His contact is 07860 536810 or [email protected]

a. You're right - The Council doesn't charge for rats, but it does charge for mice. b. Yes, the Council man told us to remove our bird-feeders while 'the process' is under way. We did see the rat feeding off the birdseed and bits of peanuts that the birds dropped. Perhaps it will go off in search of other food - though I don't really want to deprive the birds for too long. (The solid block is a good idea, so long as the birds don't drop any of the seed.)

Why don't you filter the water - filter jug (or we have quite a large ceramic contraption that we use all the time). In the end - or actually quite soon - it's much much cheaper than buying bottled water all the time - and often contributing to the wealth of the multi-national companies. The filtered water tastes fine - well there's really no taste as far as I'm concerned. And I can certainly taste the difference if I do try water out of a regular tap.

Yes, the Council does use poison. There's someting that looks a bit like a petrol container - or whatever they're called - on its side without its top, placed near the compost bins where the rat is apparently 'hanging out'. The rat/s is apparently expected to be attracted to the nasty stuff inside and have a feed of it. [The man from the Council will return in 2-3 weeks to see whether he's - presumably - been successful.] I really don't want to think about it too much ... especially as my husband is commiserating with 'Ronnie, our poor rat'. I do like the sound of the electronic 'zapper' now that I know about it ... Do you throw the whole thing away afterwards, or bury the contents, or?

Full marks for Sheffield Council's rat-efficiency! They turned up this morning - less than 24 hours after my phone call - to deal with (hopefully) the rat/s. I hope they're as efficient if/when we have a 'real' problem.

Many thanks for all your advice - and the fascinating debate! I've contacted Environmental Services and they've assured me that their methods won't harm squirrels, birds or cats. I feel a bit sorry for the rat (or probably rats) who's become quite a familiar sight - seems like a case of animal discrimination - but .... Thanks again ...

It does seem a bit drastic! Any other ideas?

Well, they do say that a squirrel is just 'a rat with a long tail and good PR' - but my husband's not convinced!

We have a rat in our garden. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get rid of it without the risk of killing one of the squirrels (or birds) that also inhabit the garden?