Jamie Oliver - Forums / Advice - I have a rat.

jaseelnino · Mon 25 Jan 10 10:38am

Good morning all, well not for me. This morning I was sitting at the kitchen table filling out a form for the school and I saw a rat out my back. Rats are the only thing in the world that I fear and I won't go out there now. I had a panic attack when I saw it and I feel sick and couldn't eat my breakfast. The thing is, my washing machine and freezer is in my shed I need to go out the back to get to them. I don't know what to do. I left bread and water out there about a week ago for the birds and they didn't take it so I wonder if that atracted it? Or maybe my compost bin? A friend of mine said let the dog out but I'm not sure if that's a good idea? I'm shaking here.

Can anybody help me please??

DebDiMaggio · Mon 25 Jan 10 10:45am

what breed of dog have you got??? depends on the breed your dog will protect you and at least scare it away while you're out there.
The compost and the bread will have attracted it. Are there any cats in the neighbourhood???

If you have a big dog or a breed that is commonly known for hunting like jack russels, I'd go for it.

Is there anyone from the council you can call to ask for help to get rid of it? pest control??

For the future you might want to invest in one of those ultrasound pestcontrol things you plug into the wall. the low frequency noise (we can't hear it) really bugs them and they stay away.

The White Rabbit · Mon 25 Jan 10 10:46am

It was probably living there the whole time but putting out bread and water wouldn't help. Also I don't think bread is good for birds but rats will probably eat seed anyway.

Get some rat poision, the type in the little box that other animals like your dog can't get into and put it near where you saw it. Then keep an eye out for a dead rat. As much as any method of killing a rat isn't going to be very nice for it, I think poisoning is better than letting your dog rip it apart - assuming your dog doesn't get bitten.

The White Rabbit · Mon 25 Jan 10 10:47am

I don't believe the ultrasonic pest control systems work at all.

shammrok · Mon 25 Jan 10 10:50am

We had a few rats a while back when we had an open compost arrangement that did not have a secure lid.

Our Golden Retrievers made short of them.

It is always difficult using baits and traps if you have animals unless you can securely lock them away until said pest has been eliminated.

DebDiMaggio · Mon 25 Jan 10 10:51am

how big a rat are we talking about???? Myu dogs would chase it away but not rip it apart.

I just hate the thought of using poison, but it's probably the best solution.

jaseelnino · Mon 25 Jan 10 10:51am

My dog is a lab. There's a few cats around but they stopped coming into the garden 2 years ago when we got the dog.

DebDiMaggio · Mon 25 Jan 10 10:53am

My dogs are labs.
He'll chase it away for sure, like he did the cats. lol lol thumbsup

jaseelnino · Mon 25 Jan 10 10:55am

It's an average size rat I suppose. Maybe the size of a size 2 or 3 runner

shammrok · Mon 25 Jan 10 11:04am

My dogs and cats live together and sleep together but they both chase and catch rats and mice.

Once they do I take away the offending critter and bag it and toss into the garbage so they don't eat it. shocked

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#1 Mon 25 Jan 10 10:38am

jaseelnino

Advice - I have a rat.

#2 Mon 25 Jan 10 10:45am

DebDiMaggio

Re: Advice - I have a rat.

#3 Mon 25 Jan 10 10:46am

The White Rabbit

Re: Advice - I have a rat.

#4 Mon 25 Jan 10 10:47am

The White Rabbit

Re: Advice - I have a rat.

#5 Mon 25 Jan 10 10:50am

shammrok

Re: Advice - I have a rat.

#6 Mon 25 Jan 10 10:51am

DebDiMaggio

Re: Advice - I have a rat.

#7 Mon 25 Jan 10 10:51am

jaseelnino

Re: Advice - I have a rat.

#8 Mon 25 Jan 10 10:53am

DebDiMaggio

Re: Advice - I have a rat.

#9 Mon 25 Jan 10 10:55am

jaseelnino

Re: Advice - I have a rat.

#10 Mon 25 Jan 10 11:04am

shammrok

Re: Advice - I have a rat.