rats

DanielG1977

Best to use traps to be safe unless you use the services of a pest control company.

JIL

zaxdog said:

I'd go with a mint oil or a eucalyptus to deter them.

Poison is a horrible way to die and even if that isn't a concern they will get into walls etc and die causing terrible smells etc

A rat catcher here baits his traps with after 8 mints..........

Floss

3-year old thread resurrected by a newbie.

CapricornLass

Vaseline.  You need to smear the pole with a thick layer for at least 18 inches of pole, otherwise Ratty will just stretch over it.  It will probably need to be renewed from time to time too.  Worked a treat for my father's bird feeders.

However, if you or your Dad happen to be around when Ratty is trying to climb the vaselined pole, I warn you, you will be in hysterics!

Katiehound

^^ don't know if that will work but I use Vaseline on my pots to keep the slugs at bay.
To be MSE buy petroleum jelly rather than the trademarked product: very much cheaper.

MrsStepford

If you contact your council, they may well come and provide traps for rats because they are a health hazard.

Weil's Disease was caught by a canoeist on the River Medway in Maidstone. He didn't get in the river itself either. 

Floss

CapricornLass said:

Vaseline.  You need to smear the pole with a thick layer for at least 18 inches of pole, otherwise Ratty will just stretch over it.  It will probably need to be renewed from time to time too.  Worked a treat for my father's bird feeders.

However, if you or your Dad happen to be around when Ratty is trying to climb the vaselined pole, I warn you, you will be in hysterics!

I have put a mini "slinky" onto each of my bird feeders, not sure if they will deter rats but it has given the squirrels a bit of a shock!

Katiehound

MrsStepford said:

If you contact your council, they may well come and provide traps for rats because they are a health hazard.

Weil's Disease was caught by a canoeist on the River Medway in Maidstone. He didn't get in the river itself either. 

Depends on your council

Ours do nowt- if you want a professional pest controller then you pay for him/ her privately!

Floss

Katiehound said:

MrsStepford said:

If you contact your council, they may well come and provide traps for rats because they are a health hazard.

Weil's Disease was caught by a canoeist on the River Medway in Maidstone. He didn't get in the river itself either. 

Depends on your council

Ours do nowt- if you want a professional pest controller then you pay for him/ her privately!

Mine come out for domestic, both inside & gardens.

newpuppy

purpleybat said:

thanks all for your comments

i will look out for the traps, i dont want to deter birds from the garden as my aged dad really enjoys watching them

Do be careful with traps.  My parents lost their 'tame' robin to a rat trap and it was devastating for them.