RATS!!

[lucky7]

I have had my field shelter and stables in for just a year. One of the stables has been turned into a storage room for hay and feed - the feed is in metal bins and nothing is left out. However i seen a big rat in there yesterday and theres evidence of them everywhere
Whats the best way to rid of them? poison? been here almost 10 years with my shed and only had a few mice, never rats!!

 

[Shay]

If you've got a large infestation it might be worth getting professional help. The types of poison you can buy as a private person are not going to be strong enough. If you are a licensed pest controller you can buy stuff that works. But it has to be used responsibly - it mustn't contaminate a water source for instance. And some types are palatable to dogs. Otherwise can you get a terrier man in? Quick and surprisingly effective without any environmental risk.

The fact you have your feed bins sealed isn't a complete deterrent incidentally. They'll take food straight from the horse's feed buckets whilst they are eating, eat soiled rugs and leatherwork.

 

[lucky7]

Good idea! or perhaps someone with ferrets? thank you didnt think of this . Nice quick death for the rats too!

 

[Shay]

Speak to your local hunt - they may well know someone in the area who runs terriers or - or ferrets! - for pest control. Or a local farmer will know.

 

[Equi]

Terrier or ferret man best option as I would never put Poison down. Too many "innocent" animals can die from it and it's a horrible death.

 

[Merlod]

I don't like poison, I have feral cats on my yard and they do their job superbly, not only that but their presence alone keeps the rodents away!

 

[Tyssandi]

I have had my field shelter and stables in for just a year. One of the stables has been turned into a storage room for hay and feed - the feed is in metal bins and nothing is left out. However i seen a big rat in there yesterday and theres evidence of them everywhere
Whats the best way to rid of them? poison? been here almost 10 years with my shed and only had a few mice, never rats!!

I would either get a pest controller or ferral cats or put these down they work really well on getting rid of our rats http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/36-x-Raco...942987?hash=item1c727dfa4b:g:kTIAAOSwTM5Y1Uki

 

[turnbuckle]

Rats??

Cats!!

 

[JillA]

I don't like poison, I have feral cats on my yard and they do their job superbly, not only that but their presence alone keeps the rodents away!

Mine too - so far they have brought me a nearly full grown rat plus a mole - all for a few tins of cat food a week.

 

[turnbuckle]

Mine too - so far they have brought me a nearly full grown rat plus a mole - all for a few tins of cat food a week.

Not sure you're getting the best end of the deal there. Less tinned food = more hunger = more productivity? You should set them a quota

 

[TelH]

Poison will do the job but it's not a particularly humane way to do it. My method of choice is a dog. It's quick and effective. My springer is a good ratter. The only disadvantage she has is that she can't get down small holes like a little terrier but if they get flushed out she's on them like lightning.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

Not sure you're getting the best end of the deal there. Less tinned food = more hunger = more productivity? You should set them a quota

doesn't work like that IME. mine are prolific hunters but still get fed. they like to hunt straight after dinner!


has to be said though, not all cats will tackle a rat although most good farm cats will. if I were to have a real problem, I'd look around on FB for terrier men etc (they often advertise on farming/poultry/smallholding sites) and then get the cats.

 

[ester]

our outdoor farm raised cat was a midget and would never have tackled a rat, YO's cat would take rabbits but was also hopeless as a ratter thought the old terrier was good until he got too creaky.

I would perhaps just question if they are underneath the field shelter etc in which case poison might be your only real option if there is a lot.

 

[paddy555]

Not sure you're getting the best end of the deal there. Less tinned food = more hunger = more productivity? You should set them a quota

nope. well fed cats hunt for the pleasure of the kill. Big rats need strong well fed cats.
OP got to a shelter or cats protection, explain what sort of cat you need, cage it or shut it in the feed room and feed it there until it settles and let it sort out your problem. A bit of cat food lying around is a lot safer than poison. Pull your bins out from the wall and make a way through the hay so it can get around everywhere.

 

[cremedemonthe]

Terrier men will get them out even if under things/down holes as they can smoke them out first straight to the Terriers waiting for them, quick and effective.
We used to use an old 2 stroke chainsaw with chain and guide removed and a drop more oil in the mix, the resulting cloud of smoke from the adapted exhaust with hose on it poked down the hole soon flushed them out.

 

[Merlod]

nope. well fed cats hunt for the pleasure of the kill. Big rats need strong well fed cats.
OP got to a shelter or cats protection, explain what sort of cat you need, cage it or shut it in the feed room and feed it there until it settles and let it sort out your problem. A bit of cat food lying around is a lot safer than poison. Pull your bins out from the wall and make a way through the hay so it can get around everywhere.

Absolutely, my cats are fed twice a day and catch many mice, rats, moles, pigeons and rabbits. They seem to particularly enjoy decapitating them and leaving parts in the middle of the barn and stables.

 

[pansymouse]

I'd get the terrier man to get the population down and then get a feral/semi feral cat from one of the rehoming charities. I think even the smell of a cat about makes rats move on. If the feral cat takes a shine to you do be prepared for a regular supply of "gifts" left in the most inconvenient places

 

[Merlod]

If the feral cat takes a shine to you do be prepared for a regular supply of "gifts" left in the most inconvenient places

Haha I'll to not be so ungrateful next time I am filling haynets in the dim light and nonchalantly bend down to pick up my sheepskin noseband cover from the floor in front of the hay, which was in actual fact a rabbit head complete with wild staring eyes!

 

[Clodagh]

Haha I'll to not be so ungrateful next time I am filling haynets in the dim light and nonchalantly bend down to pick up my sheepskin noseband cover from the floor in front of the hay, which was in actual fact a rabbit head complete with wild staring eyes!

Eergh! I was collecting the hens eggs after dark one nmight and put my hand in a nest box, in it was a very large, very dead rat. It was the nearest I have ever come to a Tena lady moment!

 

[PaulieB796]

If you're still having problems and you're not too far away, I would be more than happy to help you with your rat problem. I am BASC registered and insured and use air weapons to control vermin such as rats. Give me a bell if you still need help.

Regards
Paul - 07515518872