Outdoor Pest Control - rats

Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.



PDA

View Full Version : rats

flirty1
07-17-08, 04:21 PM
i got a letter from the city(everyone did) about a rodent problem in the neigborhood.. i guess were responsible for putting out traps or bait. heres the thing. i have cats and want to know what traps are safe for pets but harmful to rats. the letter didn't say what im supposed to do with the bodies. the letter was addressed to everyone on the street. so it s neighborhood issue. i have seen rats.

twelvepole
07-17-08, 05:46 PM
If all the neighbors have been ordered to trap rats, there is no guarantee that your cats will not get caught in a neighbor's trap. There are 'live' traps for trapping animals. These are often used for catch and release or for humane disposal.

The letter from the city should have included information about good sanitation practices in the landscape and sealing any gaps or openings in the structure where pests can enter. Removing food sources from the landscape is helpful. Do not leave out pet food dishes. Keep garbage sealed in cans. Eliminate bird feeders. If everyone in the neighborhood does not take steps to prevent rats, then simply trapping will likely prove futile.

Do not handle dead rats. Wear disposable gloves. Bag the rat and the gloves and place in trash. Thoroughly wash hands.
flirty1
07-18-08, 12:52 AM
heres the letter

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/junkcollecter/untitled-7.jpg

Newt
07-18-08, 10:28 AM
Flirty, I used to volunteer with an animal rescue that would drive the alleys of the city at night feeding and rescuing stray cats and dogs. We always saw rat baited traps and never saw a cat want to get into one. The traps were put out by the city, not the residents. The type that was used can be seen in figure 2 here.
http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/epublic/pages/publicationD.jsp?publicationId=633

Newt