Do you guys worry about rats if they are in relatively controlled numbers?

[My equine life]

My horses have been in the last few nights with this storm but they are usually out 24/7. We had a rat issue earlier this year but the rat man put poison out and it’s much more under control. Find the odd dropping still but seeing much less activity and seen a very slow moving rat and two dead ones when clearing the hay barn. I noticed however this morning that one of my horses shavings had been moved from a hole in the wall where one had obviously come in to clear up dinner. When I walked into her barn a fat rat heard me and ran away back through the hole so they are obviously still about! It makes me not want to bring the horses in but with weather like this I sort of have to woth our field being so exposed. Do you guys worry about all the diseases they carry or do you accept they will always be about? I worry so much about their diseases!!

 

[Red-1]

I don't worry about diseases for the horses, but hate rats with a passion, so take steps to get rid when I see activity. I wouldn't leave stuff of mine out and about, and wash my hands before eating when I have been at the yard.

It would not stop me bringing the horse in.

 

[meleeka]

I go by the the theory that if there’s one, more will soon follow. I try and keep food sources to a minimum which means they often just pass through and go somewhere else. My neighbour has chickens so I’m hoping they are a better bet than my stables!

I wouldn’t sorry about my horses though, unless there was a rat problem in their hay.

 

[My equine life]

I don't worry about diseases for the horses, but hate rats with a passion, so take steps to get rid when I see activity. I wouldn't leave stuff of mine out and about, and wash my hands before eating when I have been at the yard.

It would not stop me bringing the horse in.

Will bring them in again tonight!

 

[My equine life]

I go by the the theory that if there’s one, more will soon follow. I try and keep food sources to a minimum which means they often just pass through and go somewhere else. My neighbour has chickens so I’m hoping they are a better bet than my stables!

I wouldn’t sorry about my horses though, unless there was a rat problem in their hay.

They were living in the hay and found two dead in there so we threw out about 30 bales!! I spent a lot of time sorting through the good bits and feeding what I could but got to a certain point where I just had to chuck it!! Now keeping the hay on pallets outside. Found one or two droppings there but nothing recently luckily!!