OT: Backyard Rodent Control and living with a dog

[JPS123]

Long story short:

Got rats in the back yard. When the Cocker Spaniel is on high alert, I know they are somewhere out there and he has been going crazy lately. I trapped one in the laundry shed with a conventional trap and the dog stood down for a while, but he's back at it and I don't think I can keep up. They lick the peanut butter clean off the trap. I even sewed a piece of dog kibble to the trap and they ate everything leaving just the thread.

Called an exterminator and he wants to place an industrial type box with rodenticide in it, the rats eat it and they go die. My concern is the dog getting a dropped piece of this stuff etc. He said with a 30lb dog there shouldn't be anything to worry about, but of course I am concerned. That and the risk of the rats dying inside the house where it cannot be removed.

Anyone have any experiences, should I go the exterminator route or go crazy at Home Depot with the electric trap, goop, etc? I am also respectful of nature and don't want to disturb its cycle, however cannot afford an all out infestation on my property as a rat recently scurried past a house guest over for outdoor dinner in the backyard.

Thanks!

[icepick_trotsky]

My parents' dog died after ingesting some raticide. He was smaller, like 15 lbs, but I would be very wary of that solution.

I've heard of people spraying cat pee in their yards. Small rodents are inherently terrified of it.

[donevwil]

We have tree rats that have been getting under our house. I had the same experience doing it myself, invested in all the typical and a few wonder-traps and nothing worked consistently enough. Rats are smart and clearly smarter than me. Called a few exterminators trying to avoid the poison route and ended up (via Angie's List) with a rat abatement specialist. No poison, persistence and thinking like a rat has enabled him to solve the problem under the house. He gave me a laundry list of outside upgrades I need to do to rid our yard of the little guys.

I whole-heartedly suggest avoiding poison if at all possible.

[vqdriver]

rats are like ants: too many to kill em all. they just keep on coming
only long term way i've seen to get rid of them is to remove the reason they're coming. it's almost always food or filth
is this a recent development? any changes or construction on your property or your neighbors' properties?

[redir]

Poison is the worst thing you could ever use. Just don't do it. I can't even believe they would tell you not to worry about your dog never mind any cats that might come into your yard or any other animals. If you read about how these poisons kill I don't see how anyone with any humane considerations for animal life even for a rat would ever use them. They are brutal and if your dog ingests it then it will be terrible.

Even when these poisons are used as they should be, in a trap, so that other animals cannot get to it the dog or cat could kill the rat and ingest the poison. The stuff is evil :(

[JPS123]

Very enlightening, thanks all.

rats are like ants: too many to kill em all. they just keep on coming
only long term way i've seen to get rid of them is to remove the reason they're coming. it's almost always food or filth
is this a recent development? any changes or construction on your property or your neighbors' properties?

I really like my small yard, but I'm sure the vegetable garden, weber grill, weber smoker, wood stack, dog house (just for looks, he sleeps inside the house), laundry shed w/ water heater (I believe they are attracted to the warmth) all are not helping my case but nonetheless are all normal for a backyard. There is no food anywhere and the garbage cans provided by the city are sealed with lids. The garden is fully protected with netting both on the sides and on top.

This is however a Southern California neighborhood, with a coyote dilemma going on. They keep infiltrating the neighborhoods and the residents argue over how to protect the pets and some even say their children are at risk. I believe the city is actively relocating coyotes to a more rural area and this could be the reason for an increase in the rat population.

[pjm]

Another problem with the poison is the rat will crawl into a hard to access area and die and then stink to high heaven. There is nothing worse than the smell of a rotting carcass.

[icepick_trotsky]

There's your solution: pet coyote.

[Veloo]

Check out some of the creative ways on YouTube. May just need some wood, coat hanger and a bucket.

[Veloo]

And those sticky glue pads have worked for me

[echappist]

don't do the glue trap, as a mouse/rat can wriggle free from it. There's also the issue of what you do with a living rodent screaming in agony.

Best thing i like are the spring traps, make sure you get the one that looks like the following (which shouldn't have that fake cheese)

http://cdn.domyownpestcontrol.com/images/thumbnails4/victor_mouse_trap_comp/victor_mouse_trap_comp.jpg.thumb_500x500.jpg

Check out some of the creative ways on YouTube. May just need some wood, coat hanger and a bucket.

the best method i saw was using a pellet gun with night vision and go snipe them off. Though i don't own a firearm, i found watching the night sniping videos to be quite satisfying.

[cp43]

don't do the glue trap, as a mouse/rat can wriggle free from it. There's also the issue of what you do with a living rodent screaming in agony.

Best thing i like are the spring traps, make sure you get the one that looks like the following (which shouldn't have that fake cheese)


the best method i saw was using a pellet gun with night vision and go snipe them off. Though i don't own a firearm, i found watching the night sniping videos to be quite satisfying.

Why no fake cheese?

Just curious, as the trap I've been using for mice has it, and seems to work fine.

[Ken Robb]

Years ago my pal had a few avocado trees and a bunch of rats. He paid his kids $1 for each dead rat. They hunted at night with a flashlight and a pellet gun. It worked quite well and the kids thought it was fun.

[echappist]

the one to which i linked would require the rodent to stick its tongue into the opening. When the trap springs into action, the metal bracket snaps down immediately on the neck of the rodent.

For the fake cheese one, there's the possibility that the rodent will be able to get away.

also, while we are at it, some slightly macabre humor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcSBO8YAnTQ

[old_fat_and_slow]

http://cdn.domyownpestcontrol.com/images/thumbnails4/victor_mouse_trap_comp/victor_mouse_trap_comp.jpg.thumb_500x500.jpg

Spring trap baited with peanut butter. Money every time. Believe it.

[false_Aest]

I'm more worried about a dog/cat getting a hold of a dead rat + eating it.

See link below:


http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-1111-poisoned-puma-
20151112-story.html (http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-1111-poisoned-puma-20151112-story.html)


"In addition to proving deadly for their intended targets, these poisons can wreak havoc as they work their way up the food chain. A mountain lion might devour a ground squirrel that consumed the bait or an animal such as a coyote that had eaten another animal that had the bait in its system."

[BobC]

Glue traps work well.

Put Peanut butter & dog kibble in the middle of the trap. Put the glue traps in a corner of where you know they go.

They'll be alive when you get them. Have fun with that.

[RFC]

I have dispatched many tree rats in my backyard. Yes, by taking them out, you simply create an opportunity for others to move in. Nature doesn't like a void.

I have used the following methods:

1) Cat. I had a semi feral cat that would stalk and eat them. Unfortunately, some cats are just pussies and won't hunt.

2) Traditional rat traps. Very effective, however, I stopped using them when I started catching birds. So, placement is important.

3) Air rifle. Very satisfying, but have to catch them when they are out. One day, I shot 8 juveniles while they frolicked around the oranges on the ground and felt no remorse.

I haven't tried the bucket method, but it comes highly recommended and might just be perfect for your situation.

[HenryA]

Search for the drowning bucket method.

[GregL]

You need to get a friend for your spaniel. We have a Soft Coated Wheaten terrier who we have nicknamed "the Verminator." No need for poison or weapons when your dog has an incredible prey drive. With the exception of skunks (he's been skunked twice so far...), no small furry animal has escaped his wrath. He is wired to kill and shred anything small, furry and/or feathered in our yard. Squirrels and rabbits are almost boring to him. I've watched him catch birds on the fly. If we don't want daily carnage, we have to chase all the critters out of the yard before letting him out. Fifty-five pounds of fur, fangs, and attitude while at the same time the most loveable family dog we've ever had.

[soulspinner]

You need to get a friend for your spaniel. We have a Soft Coated Wheaten terrier who we have nicknamed "the Verminator." No need for poison or weapons when your dog has an incredible prey drive. With the exception of skunks (he's been skunked twice so far...), no small furry animal has escaped his wrath. He is wired to kill and shred anything small, furry and/or feathered in our yard. Squirrels and rabbits are almost boring to him. I've watched him catch birds on the fly. If we don't want daily carnage, we have to chase all the critters out of the yard before letting him out. Fifty-five pounds of fur, fangs, and attitude while at the same time the most loveable family dog we've ever had.

:hello:

[Tony]

Sounds like my boy. He closes on any small animals including taking to water after rats.
https://get.google.com/albumarchive/107709068384636814318/album/AF1QipM816QLmJk_zp0lnYzZuBKnhEuLxvyohm-2UaUs?source=pwa


"We have a Soft Coated Wheaten terrier who we have nicknamed "the Verminator." No need for poison or weapons when your dog has an incredible prey drive. With the exception of skunks (he's been skunked twice so far...), no small furry animal has escaped his wrath. He is wired to kill and shred anything small, furry and/or feathered in our yard. Squirrels and rabbits are almost boring to him. I've watched him catch birds on the fly. If we don't want daily carnage, we have to chase all the critters out of the yard before letting him out. Fifty-five pounds of fur, fangs, and attitude while at the same time the most loveable family dog we've ever had."

[Ozz]

There's your solution: pet coyote.

even easier....available on amazon:
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71%2BGxV4qfJL._SL1500_.jpg

[Louis]

You need more pets:

http://www.coolestone.com/thumbs/fd0926ea1ef2.jpg

[donevwil]

even easier....available on amazon:
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71%2BGxV4qfJL._SL1500_.jpg

I really shouldn't have looked at this while sipping my coffee... which is now all over my screen.

[RFC]

Also works well as a mixer.

even easier....available on amazon:
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71%2BGxV4qfJL._SL1500_.jpg

[jruhlen1980]

You need to get a friend for your spaniel. We have a Soft Coated Wheaten terrier who we have nicknamed "the Verminator." No need for poison or weapons when your dog has an incredible prey drive. With the exception of skunks (he's been skunked twice so far...), no small furry animal has escaped his wrath. He is wired to kill and shred anything small, furry and/or feathered in our yard. Squirrels and rabbits are almost boring to him. I've watched him catch birds on the fly. If we don't want daily carnage, we have to chase all the critters out of the yard before letting him out. Fifty-five pounds of fur, fangs, and attitude while at the same time the most loveable family dog we've ever had.

About a year and a half ago my wife and I unintentionally got a second dog. He's a miniature pinscher that my wife found running in the street (we live in a college town and there's a real problem with students abandoning animals when they graduate and move away (which should be punishable by castration but I digress))

ANYWAY... he's a rodent killing machine. I mean, that's what they were bred for. But no rodent problems in this yard.