rats in the house, i like rats, but....

Kyrae

Have always felt a bit sorry for rats really, yes they carry diseases but so does cat and dog poo, and foxes and hedgehogs carry fleas and ticks etc. Rats aren't out to get anyone, they're just trying to survive like everything else, and if they find a good food source in a garden or house then they're going to be attracted to it! That's nature for you and the rats were there long before we built houses on their land!

Silvertabby wrote: »

So now they're someone else's nightmare! I, too, am an animal lover - but not disease carrying pooh dropping wire chewing rats!

Pewmouse

Most of the above replies are ridiculous, you would not be so fast to suggest murdering other wildlife ....


Rats are opportunistic scavengers, there must be an available food source for them to be staying. I would suggest working out what that is (possible bird seed etc) and make it inaccessible. Live traps are an option but rats are clever so it can be difficult to trap them.


I hope you choose not to use poison, it's a horrible death for any animal that eats it. Poison pellets are also attractive to other animals such as dogs, cats, hedgehogs and possible small children if it's left in reach.


As a keeper of pet rats I understand the stigma attached to them and wild rats are different to domestic ones but a life is still a life.

Davesnave

I'm sorry, but you're all looking at this the wrong way. You have to fight fire with fire.

The answer to rats is always either a terrier or a pair of ferrets.

A terrier is good if you have the time to devote to a dog that needs plenty of input. If you don't, then ferrets will sleep all day while you're out at work and provide a good hour of hilarious entertainment when they do wake up.

Personally, I'd recommend ferrets. If you have a couple, you'll never look back.....except perhaps to check that they're not about to shoot up your trouser leg..... :rotfl:

bouicca21

I'd be looking into the possibility of borrowing a Jack Russell.

pineapple

Kyrae wrote: »

Have always felt a bit sorry for rats really, yes they carry diseases but so does cat and dog poo, and foxes and hedgehogs carry fleas and ticks etc.

Don't know about your area but where I live the dog poo won't sneak/dig into the house, chew through the wiring, contaminate the foodstuff and leave disease ridden urine everywhere.
I mean - seriously?

ripplyuk

I'm very fond of rats. I think they're cute and I admire their ability to survive almost anywhere and their intelligence. It's true that they can spread Weil's etc, but only if the rat has Weil's. A bit like saying dogs spread rabies. Only if the dog has it.

However, OP, if they are in your house, you really have to kill them. They will pee and poop all over the place and your house will stink. Also they chew everything including electric wires which is a fire hazard. I would use the basic rat snap traps. Check them regularly as I once had a mouse caught just by its leg, still alive. Poor thing must have been in pain all night. (I don't mind killing them, but not suffering).

Poison is the worst idea. My house stank for about 9 months after we couldn't find the body. A ferret will soon drive them out but they have a smell all of their own!

Bananas123

thanks!

it's no joke, i am kind of enjoying having them around tbh.

i don't think they are dirty as people say tbh, to "carry disease" the disease has to be there, and rats are not diseased by default..............

had pet rats as child; best pets ever!!! glad there are others with appreciation of the little guys...

also, it's not my house (mothers)... so not 100% bothered.

...probably should stop feeding them ahaha

ripplyuk

If you refuse to deal with the vermin, someone else will. Eventually the council/neighbours with kick off about it.

OP, could you not just go and get yourself two nice pet fancy rats from a pet shop/breeder instead?

ETA, Buy a cage too.

Davesnave

ripplyuk wrote: »

A ferret will soon drive them out but they have a smell all of their own!

Not everyone thinks it's a horrible smell, but it's true, one whiff and any rats around will be packing their bags.

Just in case of any misunderstanding, my suggestion was somewhat tongue-in-cheek. I wouldn't really recommend someone acquire a pair of ferrets without a genuine interest and commitment to look after them. Too often they're badly treated by people who use them for hunting, or just as bad, weak individuals who just fancy one as a quirky or fashionable pet.

Gloomendoom

You don't terriers or ferrets, a trap will do, but you do need to kill at least one of them. They are quite intelligent and there is a good chance the rest will leave of their own accord when they realise that they are living in a dangerous place.