I know I'll probably sound like a bit of a wuss, but the options suggested that I actually kill a rat in hand-to-hand combat aren't really my cup of tea. As for the barrel of squealing rats, I blanched at the thought of having to empty the rat soup afterwards
So I opted for well concealed poison in long lengths of drain pipe so the dog couldn't get at it. The bait was taken over a few days and then stopped and no rats seen for a few days. There is an old mill across the road and a tunnel under the road for the river to pass under. I think that's where the little varmints are coming from. Nothing I can do about that except keep the eyes open and plan the next offensive should another invasion occur.We have an orchard around the house and I think the old windfalls attract them because it always seems to be winter/spring when they visit (less food I suppose). This year I'm just going to have to turn ALL the apples into cider
so there are none left for 'visitors'.Good job I don't have any livestock because they'd die of old age if I had to do the killing!
or if you do, give it a good old rinse out first!
