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Sacha[_1_] · 16-08-2006, 03:55 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening

On 16/8/06 15:08, in article , "Uncle Marvo"
wrote:

Hi everyone

I've sneaked over from uk.rec.waterways, someone there suggested I ask this
one here.

I live on a boat, and I have discovered a rats nest nearby.

My plan is to use one of those systemic weedkillers which will kill all the
vegetation near the boat, mainly stinging nettles and such, and neutralises
when it hits the ground, and next spring plant something else which rats
either despise or which will kill them when they eat it. Hopefully something
which will stop the repeated growth of nettles, grass etc. I don't mind what
it is, as long as it has the desired effect!

Any suggestions? There are no pets or anything nearby, I was guessing that
ragwort? might do the trick.

Apart from actual rat poison, I don't there there's anything that kills rats
other than a shovel or a shotgun! If there were, we'd be growing it.
Nettles will, in any case, almost certainly swamp anything you plant and
perhaps the vegetation is keeping the bank stable? If you're worried about
the rats getting onto your boat, can I ask how you're mooring? In certain
ports in the Med it's unwise to moor alongside because of rats on the quays,
so most boats go stern-to and raise the passarelle at night, putting those
rat guard things on the mooring lines. Can you do that to protect your
boat?
I must say, too, that I think a mass killing of vegetation on which insects
feed is not a good road to go down when, presumably, you like living on a
boat because of the surroundings etc. that you live in! Some of the poison
is almost certain to get into the water and may well be harmful to fish or
other water life. If you feel you must do something to the vegetation, I'd
be inclined just to keep it cut back.

--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
http://www.discoverdartmoor.co.uk/