In article , Derek White
writes
I can't quite get my head around this, because we live in a clean area and
our garden is small but well looked after. We bought some large wooden
oblong plant containers about a year ago, and we have some very pretty
flowers in them that help to decorate the garden. And today, disaster! I
have seen a rat in the garden, which, on closer inspection, appears to have
burrowed down beneath one of these containers. I now feel as though I am an
extra in the film "Night of the Living Dead"! It is quite horrendous to
think it is lurking in my garden. What is the best way to get rid of it. I
would prefer not to use a trap, but I believe there might be poisons or rat
repellents on the market. Any ideas would be gratefully received!
P.S. I have a tortoise and a dog as pets.

I'll leave it to others for cures, but don't feel bad about it - rats
are everywhere, even in 'clean areas', but nocturnal so you are not
aware of them. There's a saying that, wherever you are in Britain,
you're never more the x feet from a rat - and estimate of 'x' vary from
60 ft down to about 20 ft.
--
Kay
"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river"