Orangepip   10 #1 Posted May 9, 2019 For the last two weeks I've seen a rat in the garden. Its dug a few holes, and every time I filled them in, the next day its back. I've only seen one out in the day, but I'm pretty sure they don't live alone and maybe more at night. I removed the bird feeder and food. We live near the old canal at Killamarsh, so not sure if that's where its from. I cant put poison down as we have pets, and I've tried the peppermint oil and garlic but it hasn't stopped it. Any suggestions...sensible ones Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
taxman   12 #2 Posted May 9, 2019 If you live near the old canal I think you will always be likely to get rats.  Are they a problem? If they aren't getting in the house then what damage are they causing? Obviously you don't want to be infested with them but one or two won't hurt surely.  I have mice in my shed but no rats, too many cats and foxes for that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Mossway   15 #3 Posted May 9, 2019 Get a trap. Either a conventional spring trap which looks like a very large mouse trap, or a cage trap. If you buy a spring trap you must put it in a sort of tunnel so that pets and birds can’t  trigger the trap. If you buy a cage trap you’ll need a largish container of water to dunk the trap in and drown the rat. Do not touch it with your bare hands. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Orangepip   10 #4 Posted May 9, 2019 15 minutes ago, taxman said: If you live near the old canal I think you will always be likely to get rats.  Are they a problem? If they aren't getting in the house then what damage are they causing? Obviously you don't want to be infested with them but one or two won't hurt surely.  I have mice in my shed but no rats, too many cats and foxes for that. No not a problem I think it/they live under next doors decking. I've been here a few years and first time I've ever seen one in the garden its quite brazen and just looks at me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Black Brick   10 #5 Posted May 9, 2019 Your collection of pets sounds like it does not include a cat or a Jack Russell. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
pintor   32 #6 Posted May 9, 2019 (edited) I had one in my garden last year, didn't know of it till, I found it dead under a tree, big bugger n 'all it was!, not seen one since, thankfully! Edited May 9, 2019 by pintor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Orangepip   10 #7 Posted May 9, 2019 1 minute ago, Black Brick said: Your collection of pets sounds like it does not include a cat or a Jack Russell. No my jack russell died last year, funnily enough I never saw them when she was alive. But getting another isn't an option. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
taxman   12 #8 Posted May 9, 2019 27 minutes ago, Mossway said: Get a trap. Either a conventional spring trap which looks like a very large mouse trap, or a cage trap. If you buy a spring trap you must put it in a sort of tunnel so that pets and birds can’t  trigger the trap. If you buy a cage trap you’ll need a largish container of water to dunk the trap in and drown the rat. Do not touch it with your bare hands. Why?  If they kill one rat and they live near the old canal then another will be along soon. If it's doing no harm, why kill it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Orangepip   10 #9 Posted May 9, 2019 I can't kill it, no matter how much I would rather not have it and want it to leave..     Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Pettytom   1 #10 Posted May 9, 2019 You could try an ultrasonic repeller. You’ll need a bit of dry weather and an electrical supply into your back garden to use it.  I’ve used them before in my cellar and they’ve got rid of mice and rats. I’m not sure how well they will work outdoors though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Orangepip   10 #11 Posted May 9, 2019 2 minutes ago, Pettytom said: You could try an ultrasonic repeller. You’ll need a bit of dry weather and an electrical supply into your back garden to use it.  I’ve used them before in my cellar and they’ve got rid of mice and rats. I’m not sure how well they will work outdoors though. Thanks worth a try Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
alchresearch   206 #12 Posted May 10, 2019 Once the food source disappears it should go away.  Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...