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  Discussion on Oh, Rats!
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 6, 2000 - 4:05 pm:

The stable where I ride has a terrible problem with rats. They are big, bold and quite numerous. We have tried the devices that make noises that rats don't like, importing rat-eating owls, cats, rat-traps of all types. None have managed to reduce the rat population. The barn manager refuses to use rat poison as she is concerned that the rats will eat the poison, then DrOwn in the horses' water buckets and pass the poison on to the horses. Ideas?

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 6, 2000 - 10:32 pm:

I know Jack Russell terriers do a good job with rats. I have seen them kill rats 1/2 there size. I would also be sure to have all food in rat proof containers and never leave any grain out, no DrOppings etc.... In my area it is possible to adopt "barn cats" which are feral and in need of a safe haven. And best of all are good mousers and ratters. Good luck!
~b

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 7, 2000 - 1:32 am:

I just want to echo Barbara's advice. I have three Jack Russell terriers and I would pit them against ANY rat. I even read somewhere (I think it was the Guiness Book of Records) that a Jack Russell terrier holds the record for the most rats killed in the shortes time. Cats are good, but they tend to be temperamental and will only kill "if they feel like it". Also, if you want a cat to rat, it must be well fed (many people think only a hungry cat will hunt).


Alexa can also vouch for a trick which her maid used to catch rats, but it only works one at a time:


Fill a bucket 3/4 of the way with water, put peanut butter around the rim and down to the water. Place the bucket where the rat can reach the rim. Rat follows peanut butter round rim and down to water, falls in and DrOwns. Voila!


Good luck

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 7, 2000 - 9:09 am:

The water bucket system does work Tracey, I've seen it (with mice).

The way this mouse "trap" works is this. Take an old bucket (plastic), melt two holes just under the rim opposite each other. Empty a soup can leaving the ends intact, insert a wire through the middle of the ends and slide the wire through the holes in the bucket. Now you have a rolling can suspended in the middle of the bucket opening. Spread the can with peanut butter and provide "ramp" leading up to the top of the bucket and leave enough room between the ramp and the soup can so the mouse/rat has to reach to get to the can. Once they get their feet on the can, it spins and they go head first in and can't get out. Disposal is easy if you are "skirmish" about handling them, just give the bucket a fling and refill with water for the next batch. I does however hold more than just one. Just remember to not fill too full of water so they can crawl back out.
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