Vermin

[jansman]

I have posted before about rodents, but I think it is important enough to repeat myself
Keeping a few animals, like I do,I am conscious of rodents,primarily mice. I have had rat problems, but mainly mice. Today I needed a tarpaulin to cover a damaged shed roof. I keep a few tarps in another building, folded and tidy. In that building I had neglected to put down bait stations. 6 tarps had been chewed through by mice. Annoying in the extreme. So I put down bait, and a couple of traps. I had two mice in as many minutes! Houston, we have a problem!
Truth be told, I have been lazy about my housekeeping. That has been put right today. Had I been in a desperate situation, say, a damaged house roof or animal housing in poor weather, those mice would have been my undoing.
So if any of you have any stuff stored outside , lay in some bait and/or traps. Might save you some damage and cash.

[ForgeCorvus]

Cat..... A big evil semi-feral moggie

Neuter it and then let it roam as it sees fit

I've had mouse damage to the stuff I've got stored in the garret (part of the reason I'm having a 'Rationalisation') so just because your stuff is indoors doesn't mean its safe

[grenfell]

I've got traps set in my garage since having mice in there a year or two ago. Little buggers chewed some linen , wool and leather goods although left the cottons alone. I've had rats in the garden and once had 9 bodies in the wood stack , managed to spear one with of all things a piece of angle iron and surprised one in a dustbin when I lifted the lid. I managed to slam the lid back down and trapped it half in and half out . The only thing within reach was an old bucket so I beat it to death with that . Currently there are several living off next doors chickens but they do pay me a visit every so often

[jansman]

Cat..... A big evil semi-feral moggie

Neuter it and then let it roam as it sees fit

I've had mouse damage to the stuff I've got stored in the garret (part of the reason I'm having a 'Rationalisation') so just because your stuff is indoors doesn't mean its safe

We have two cats, both hunters. Especially the old Tom. They are not efficient though. What I want is total extermination -and it will be achieved. With chemicals!

[Stasher]

Cats IMHO catch mice or rats. The ratter is an upgrade so you will still have a mouse problem in that case. We've noticed a surge on the rodent population over the last few weeks, must be the weather............

It's a good point tho about rodents. Rodent killer maize should be part of everyones stash really. Regarding the super rat reports in the media, alpha male used to hunt them as a lad. They've clearly just been hiding out somewhere....................

[Plymtom]

Phone your local gun shop or gun club, I bet you'd be surprised how many would jump at the chance to come and do a bit of pest control, the one in Ivybridge near Plymouth had reference to putting those who wanted to do it in touch with those who needed it done some years ago when I looked, rabbits, pigeons and other animals considered almost game as much as pests are a different matter, but rodents.. I'd do it if I could get out much.
A question when it comes to cats and rats/mice, can they pass on the nasties from the rodents to their owners?

[jansman]

Cats and dogs are vaccinated against Leptospirosis(Weils Disease). I had Weils Disease when I was 17. Damn nearly died too, never been so ill in all my life. To be honest, I think the transmission from pet to owner is slim. I kept a team of terriers in the 80's , 5x hell raising Russell/Lakies. We hunted foxes and rats in thedirtiest of places, and neither mutt nor man suffered. Mind you it is a good idea to be hygienic when handling poisons and dead rodents.
Incidentally, I rotate my bait points with three different types of poison in an attempt to curb resistance to them.

[lonewolf]

get a decent air rifle.

[Rincewind]

It's not just a case of buying an air rifle,If you discharge an air weapon within 50 mtrs from the centre of a public highway you will be committing a firearms offence with the possibility of up to 5 yrs jail,also if your pellet leaves your boundaries you are again committing a firearms offence,as well as possibly hitting someone or something, which wont make your neighbours too happy smiley. the responsible shooting community dont just shoot the first thing they see,most wont take the shot unless they know its a clean kill ,for more info look up BASC or BASA


Oh and I have several decent rifles all cost £800 upwards,and scopes cost at least half that

[lonewolf]

you can shoot on your own property as long as the pellet stays within your boundaries( and I am a member of a reputable local air rifle club for your information).the general rule is if your not sure of your shot then don't take the shot.