Rats!

[dcfirefighter]

What to do about them?

I haven't noticed any damage, but I can sit on my porch and watch them scurry around. They like to hide in the potatoes. I don't really care, personally, as long as they don't eat too much, but the neighbor's will surely complain. Oddly they don't seem to favor the compost pile (the one thing that is regulated in the town code), I think because it's so exposed.

[Gato Moteado]

1. ever think about getting into falconry?

or you could let a bunch of ratsnakes loose on your property. how about a tard full of rat terriers?

or you could buy a pellet rifle and pick them off one by one.

[Gato Moteado]

3. wow....i just noticed that i typed "a tard full of rat terriers"...

that's what happens when you hit the post button before you proofread

[Gormy Cuss]

2. Don't let them get too comfortable.

I tend to take a soft approach on getting rid of yard critters but they must feel at least a little threatened or your small colony could become a legion. Shake up their habitat occasionally.

They may not favor your compost pile because it's too hot, or they may just grab stuff from it and haul it under the shade of the potato vines before eating. Rats are fascinating creatures. The domesticated ones are rather gentle and easy going around humans.

[Kolesar]

5. but they pee all the time

according to the expert on "Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe". And they like clutter.

[Gormy Cuss]

6. They do indeed.

I wouldn't have one as a pet but the domesticated ones are friendly. My widest experience with rats are the giant ones who live near the docks. They're tough looking but generally leave you alone.

[NMDemDist2]

4. adopt a big ass mean old tomcat

or any kind of terrier

[madmom]

7. whenever I have a rodent problem I put used kitty litter around

where they like to frequent. It usually works.

[uppityperson]

8. Used kitty litter or new? Clumping or regular? Thanks. nt

[madmom]

9. I sprinkle used kitty litter around, I think it's the scent of the cat

that frightens them away. I don't think it really matters if its clumping or regular, whatever you have. This is amazing at keeping rabbits out of gardens as well.

[uppityperson]

10. This is a good idea, thanks.

though it might attract cats to continue to pee there, would be good rodent repeller.