Getting rid of rats/mice (merged threads)

krlyr

The best way to get rid of rats is to stop offering resources - the rats want the easiest/most safe source of food, water and shelter. If you can remove these resources then the rats will move on to an easier life.
So clear away any rubbish, store food in secure metal containers if it has to be stored outside, clean up about any outside pets (e.g. if you have outdoor rabbits, make sure their food isn't scattered all over the lawn, cover the hutch with smaller mesh so rats can't climb in to eat, etc), if you have a compost heap then remove it, stop feeding the wild birds in your garden (feed them down the local park if you want) and so on.
Prevent water sources - if your garden is prone to puddles, fill in these areas. Don't leave out pots and buckets that water will collect in, if you have a pond try to cover it over so they can't drink from it.
Removing shelter - tough if they're living under the shed but try to make it unappealing. Broken glass under the shed can work but be careful if you have pets of your own or children that could stick an arm under there. Moth balls are supposed to deter rats and mice so could be worth a try. Clearing any overgrown plants/bushes in the garden so rats don't have undergrowth to travel through, block up holes in the fence so they can't move between gardens easily.

The problem with traps etc. that kill is that something in your garden is attracting rats in the first place. If you kill the current inhabitants, the next family of rats will move in because there's resources available.

crazyguy

Sublime wrote: »

Put some food out as bait, and borrow someones dog to get the pests.

I think you mean cats,

crazyguy

julie03 wrote: »

because i have a terrible aim

Maybe then put that vodka bottle down,

( Just kidding with you, )

keystone

aliasojo

There's a larder cupboard in our hall that has a large airbrick to the outside. It's covered in wire mesh. I'm assuming it was intended as a food store cupboard.

Since the colder weather has begun, I've started getting a smell from this cupboard. It reminds me of when we had a hamster and it's cage needed cleaned out.

I've cleaned the cupboard out and there's no sign of mice droppings or even chewed food come to that, but the smell isn't going away. There's nothing outside that smells this way so I don't think it's coming in through the airbrick.

Is it possible that there might be mice in the walls and I'm smelling thier urine through the numerous cracks there are in this place?

Failing that, I'm at a loss to know what's causing the smell.

topsales

Yes, you would smell mice - I would put a trap down!

real1314

How small is the mesh?
If you can get a pencil through it; a mouse can get through it, is the common maxim.

Traps baited with chocolate - something sticky like mars/chocolate caramel if you choose to go for a trap. Mind your fingers!

:cool:

aliasojo

real1314 wrote: »

How small is the mesh?
If you can get a pencil through it; a mouse can get through it, is the common maxim.

Good grief. _pale_

Guess I better get to the shops asap for some traps.

mackemdave

calmgirl wrote: »

(CG'S Hubby here)

he council will posion them for free

Long gone are the days that councils do anything for free....They will tell you to phone a pest controller,at your expense

Eliza_2

Not universally the case. Ours charges £10 for rats (with concessions), £50 for mice (£25 for residents on benefits)

Surely cheaper than a commercial setup so worth checking.