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Rat in yard!
Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back.
It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? Anyway, this is 1st time I've seen a rat around here and I'm not sure if I need to be concerned? What to do? Thanks... |
Rat in yard!
Are you absolutely sure it wasn't an opossum?
Me too. wrote in message link.net... Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back. It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? Anyway, this is 1st time I've seen a rat around here and I'm not sure if I need to be concerned? What to do? Thanks... |
Rat in yard!
Yes, have them too. This was a rat.
"Cereoid-XXXXX" wrote in message . .. Are you absolutely sure it wasn't an opossum? Me too. wrote in message link.net... Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back. It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? Anyway, this is 1st time I've seen a rat around here and I'm not sure if I need to be concerned? What to do? Thanks... |
Rat in yard!
Me too. wrote:
Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back. It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? Anyway, this is 1st time I've seen a rat around here and I'm not sure if I need to be concerned? What to do? Rat control is easy. Stop feeding them, and they'll disappear. |
Rat in yard!
In article .net, "Me
too." wrote: Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back. It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? Anyway, this is 1st time I've seen a rat around here and I'm not sure if I need to be concerned? What to do? Thanks... Are you sure it's a rat and not an opossum? Opossums have razor-sharp teeth, and they could do a lot of damage to your cats. A rat could also bit your cats and give them fleas, lice, etc. Assuming that you live in North America, it's probably time to take in the bird feeders for the season. If the creature's easy dinner is gone, he'll go somewhere else. |
Rat in yard!
Me too. wrote: Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back. It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? Anyway, this is 1st time I've seen a rat around here and I'm not sure if I need to be concerned? What to do? Thanks... Rats and mice love, love, love graineries and other food warehousing. Why make it easy for them? The birds are better off finding their own food. I once watched rats coming for the dog food at the neighbor's yard - had a big old dog that spent it's life tied to a tree, with food/water bowls set out for him. Much of the time, his water bowl would get turned over, so I used to carry water to him. I like pets and their food indoors, let wild things find their own. |
Rat in yard!
What area of the country are you in? You might engage one of the
neighborhood kids to catch a Rat Snake and turn it loose near the deck! Of course they also will eat Squirrels, Chipmunks, Birds etc...but the rat would be history... Dave On Sat, 26 Apr 2003 19:51:33 GMT, "Me too." wrote: Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back. It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? Anyway, this is 1st time I've seen a rat around here and I'm not sure if I need to be concerned? What to do? Thanks... |
Rat in yard!
If you have a rat, you're probably feeding it.
If you have one rat, you probably already have a colony. If you saw it during the day, you likely have a massive infestation. If you have a deck, I'll bet you're not able to see under it to tell if there are harborages there. Me too. wrote in message link.net... Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back. It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? Anyway, this is 1st time I've seen a rat around here and I'm not sure if I need to be concerned? What to do? Thanks... |
Rat in yard!
On Sat, 26 Apr 2003 22:42:42 -0400, "Michael Baugh"
wrote: If you have a rat, you're probably feeding it. He noted the Bird Feeder If you have one rat, you probably already have a colony. No doubt particularly in light of the size of the individual he reported. If you saw it during the day, you likely have a massive infestation. A good possibility If you have a deck, I'll bet you're not able to see under it to tell if there are harborages there. Most likely, hence my suggestion of introducing a Rat or Bull snake to the deck area...they can and do go anywhere a rat might. Cheers! Dave Me too. wrote in message hlink.net... Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back. It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? Anyway, this is 1st time I've seen a rat around here and I'm not sure if I need to be concerned? What to do? Thanks... |
Rat in yard!
"Me too." wrote in message
link.net... Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back. It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? Anyway, this is 1st time I've seen a rat around here and I'm not sure if I need to be concerned? Ants go marching 2 by 2, Rats, travel in caravans. Rats are generally nocturnal creatures, so if you saw one in the day time, odds are he was searching for food because there are a whole lot of rats running about during the night. Wouldn't surprise me if you've got a large colony living under the deck. Rat traps and rat bait placed outside will get a by-catch as well, of other rodents. The best bet is to remove the feeders for a while, so the rats will go elsewhere for food. If you do put a feeder out, place it in a location where a rat has to run across open land to get to it. Gives predatory birds a chance to spot them. Rats also carry disease that are bad for humans and pets, so it's best they be kept as far away from the house as possible. Sameer |
Rat in yard!
"Me too." wrote in message link.net... Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back. It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? Anyway, this is 1st time I've seen a rat around here and I'm not sure if I need to be concerned? What to do? Thanks... I'd be a bit concerned if I were you. My in-laws live in the country and had a problem w/ rats a few years ago. They didn't know what to do about it so got me involved. We did eventually rid them of the rodents, but it wasn't much fun. In their case the rats actually found a way into the house and were helping themselves to the dog food!! In talking to an exterminator I discovered that these rodents are capable of climbing up the exterior of most buildings. I don't mean to be an alarmist here, but if they are out feeding at your deck, you are probably best off getting rid of them now, before they find a way in. As for the cats protecting you against them, I wouldn't bank on it. The critters that I caught were smaller than a cat, but considerably more aggressive. I'd consider trapping and or poison. Peter H |
Rat in yard!
OK, thanks all. I've removed the bird feeders and I'll take a wait and see
approach for now. I've checked the basement and see no evidence of them having entered the house. "Peter H" wrote in message .rogers.com... "Me too." wrote in message link.net... Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back. It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? Anyway, this is 1st time I've seen a rat around here and I'm not sure if I need to be concerned? What to do? Thanks... I'd be a bit concerned if I were you. My in-laws live in the country and had a problem w/ rats a few years ago. They didn't know what to do about it so got me involved. We did eventually rid them of the rodents, but it wasn't much fun. In their case the rats actually found a way into the house and were helping themselves to the dog food!! In talking to an exterminator I discovered that these rodents are capable of climbing up the exterior of most buildings. I don't mean to be an alarmist here, but if they are out feeding at your deck, you are probably best off getting rid of them now, before they find a way in. As for the cats protecting you against them, I wouldn't bank on it. The critters that I caught were smaller than a cat, but considerably more aggressive. I'd consider trapping and or poison. Peter H |
Rat in yard!
"Me too." wrote:
Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back. What species? Could it be a wood rat? Or is it the Rattus species (grey, black or brown species)? It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? WORRY! They are amazingly destructive and fertile and carry Hanta virus, bubonic plague and other nasties. And figure out where it's living and trap it. Tsu -- To doubt everything or to believe everything are two equally convenient solutions; both dispense with the necessity of reflection. - Jules Henri Poincaré |
Rat in yard!
Unless you plan to kill everything on the planet, including every rat, I'd just
move the feeder away from the house and always wear shoes or something on your feet. We have rats, snakes, skinks, lizards, anoles, birds, armadillo's, skunks occasionally, cats, bats, and insects. It all balances out. It is futile work getting rid of rats or anything living wild outdoors. Strike a balance. On Sat, 26 Apr 2003 19:51:33 GMT, "Me too." wrote: Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back. It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? Anyway, this is 1st time I've seen a rat around here and I'm not sure if I need to be concerned? What to do? Thanks... |
Rat in yard!
On Sun, 27 Apr 2003 21:37:51 GMT, animaux wrote:
Unless you plan to kill everything on the planet, including every rat, I'd just move the feeder away from the house and always wear shoes or something on your feet. We have rats, snakes, skinks, lizards, anoles, birds, armadillo's, skunks occasionally, cats, bats, and insects. It all balances out. It is futile work getting rid of rats or anything living wild outdoors. Strike a balance. Which was why I suggested Rat Snakes as a control, keeps things balanced.. Dave On Sat, 26 Apr 2003 19:51:33 GMT, "Me too." wrote: Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back. It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? Anyway, this is 1st time I've seen a rat around here and I'm not sure if I need to be concerned? What to do? Thanks... |
Rat in yard!
I wish it was that easy, but what do you do if you stop feeding them and
they do not disappear? What happens if the bird seed is the smallest part of what they are feeding on then what? What if their primary source of food is something that just happens to be buried where you cannot see it then what? I really wish it was as easy as "Stop feeding them, and they'll disappear." -- www.apcwv.com |
Rat in yard!
If they lose their food source(s) they will eat their young
as a food source, before they try to go elsewhere. And they will generally be within about 15 feet of their primary food source. wrote in message ... I wish it was that easy, but what do you do if you stop feeding them and they do not disappear? What happens if the bird seed is the smallest part of what they are feeding on then what? What if their primary source of food is something that just happens to be buried where you cannot see it then what? I really wish it was as easy as "Stop feeding them, and they'll disappear." -- www.apcwv.com |
Rat in yard!
It is that easy. And very important for them to be gone
before a garden gets started. Speaking of gardens, how about that compost bin? How to keep the rats out of it? One way that seems to have worked was some hardware cloth on the ground, then several stacked tires, with compost stuff in them, and a tire with a rim on top. Hardware cloth bolted to cover the large center hole. Worms in the compost. More details in "1,001 Ingenious Gardening Ideas", except that rats weren't mentioned. No dairy or meat in the pile, though. wrote in message ... I really wish it was as easy as "Stop feeding them, and they'll disappear." |
Rat in yard!
Me too. wrote:
Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back. It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? Anyway, this is 1st time I've seen a rat around here and I'm not sure if I need to be concerned? What to do? Give him extra food so he likes it outside. I do. -- dadiOH ________________________ dadiOH's dandies v3.0... ....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that. Get it at http://www.gbronline.com/xico/ _________________________________ |
Rat in yard!
Michael, that is mice you are talking about. We are talking about Norway
rats here. They will range up to 100 feet for food. -- www.apcwv.com |
Rat in yard!
Peter H wrote:
"Me too." wrote in message link.net... Hi, just the other day, I noticed there is a rat around our deck out back. It seems to be eating the bird food that falls to the ground, (2 bird feeders mounted on deck.) This is a somewhat rural area and has a population of squirrels, chipmunks, bear, groundhogs, deer, rabbits etc. So, seeing this unfamiliar site has thrown me. We have 3 large house cats with full sets of claws, so I'm not too worried about the rat coming in and surviving, or should I be? Anyway, this is 1st time I've seen a rat around here and I'm not sure if I need to be concerned? What to do? Thanks... I'd be a bit concerned if I were you. My in-laws live in the country and had a problem w/ rats a few years ago. They didn't know what to do about it so got me involved. We did eventually rid them of the rodents, but it wasn't much fun. In their case the rats actually found a way into the house and were helping themselves to the dog food!! (double surprise, prob should prune the limbs on the roof) In talking to an exterminator I discovered that these rodents are capable of climbing up the exterior of most buildings. (i suppose most buildings have tiny ladders for rodents now) I don't mean to be an alarmist here, but if they are out feeding at your deck, you are probably best off getting rid of them now, before they find a way in. (don't let them plot, they plot againts you) As for the cats protecting you against them, I wouldn't bank on it. (They will probabably bite a lot you in your sleep, that is if you don't die first from plague) The critters that I caught were smaller than a cat, but considerably more aggressive. (most of his rats are larger then a cat and don't object to being caught) I'd consider trapping and or poison. (more people in New York City are treated for bites by humans then bites by rats ) |
Rat in yard!
Actually, rats will range to 300 feet, but they generally
will have their burrow within 15 feet of their food source. I have seen them be about 50 feet away, but not often. And if their colony is beginning to exceed the food source, they will be out looking for alternate sites, and often during the day. wrote in message ... Michael, that is mice you are talking about. We are talking about Norway rats here. They will range up to 100 feet for food. -- www.apcwv.com |
Rat in yard!
What's the alternative? Killing all the rats on the planet? Trying to live trap
and move them? They come right back, or more come in their place. You may have more than you know. The rats which live on our property are very healthy. They are also marginally frightened of me when I approach them. Sometimes I get 3 feet near them before they move away. We have a pond. We're going to have toads, rats, snakes, birds, and insects drinking from it. What we did was embrace them. No, we don't love having them. Yes, I do wish they'd go live down by the creek (and I'm sure they so), but I'm not willing to contribute to the killing of the food chain to eliminate some rats which pose virtually no threat to me. The ones which are sick, die. I can assure you, if you stop feeding the birds, the rats will move elsewhere. What do you suspect they are eating, underground? On Mon, 28 Apr 2003 00:31:47 GMT, wrote: I wish it was that easy, but what do you do if you stop feeding them and they do not disappear? What happens if the bird seed is the smallest part of what they are feeding on then what? What if their primary source of food is something that just happens to be buried where you cannot see it then what? I really wish it was as easy as "Stop feeding them, and they'll disappear." |
Rat in yard!
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Rat in yard!
One citation for what?
Eating their young if their population density exceeds their food supply? http://newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/gen99/gen99259.htm Or the similar comment in the "Yucky but fascinating facts" of http://bugrunner.com/rodents.htm And actually, you simply asked for one citation. I could have given you any citation on most any subject, under the terms of your request. animaux wrote in message ... Please give me one citation. On Sun, 27 Apr 2003 21:06:25 -0400, "Michael Baugh" wrote: If they lose their food source(s) they will eat their young as a food source, before they try to go elsewhere. And they will generally be within about 15 feet of their primary food source. wrote in message t... I wish it was that easy, but what do you do if you stop feeding them and they do not disappear? What happens if the bird seed is the smallest part of what they are feeding on then what? What if their primary source of food is something that just happens to be buried where you cannot see it then what? I really wish it was as easy as "Stop feeding them, and they'll disappear." -- www.apcwv.com |
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