RATS! and, it's out of control!

[salshappyhen]

HI!

I've been reading lots of threads about this issue and have some good advice how to start the process but I'm wondering if anyone here has had good results with
1. BB gun or
2. Traps (have a heart or others)
3. Non toxic solutions

If so, details please! Brands etc. My neighbor said they're very smart and aren't fooled easily by traps but if you're patient and gain their trust, trapping could work. We have a child, dog and cat so poison seems unwise and unsafe.

We have lots. They're getting into the run by digging tunnels and even though they have yet to get into the inside coop, which is a closed up part of our little garden shed, they're getting into the garden shed and pooping EVERYWHERE and they've chewed ALL the chords to my power saws! Come spring we will hardware cloth down deep and toe it out but I have to start getting ride of them NOW. So far, they have no interest in eggs or the chickens but as I've read, this could change.

I know I should have dealt with this sooner but hopefully I can resolve this! I take in the food at night and make sure they have no access to food but they're brave and I've seen them in the run in the middle of the day.

ANY advice with help and also if you can link me to past threads that might be helpful that would be great too. I've read some but I'm sure there are favorites!
THANKS!!
Andi

 

[Clubber1234]

We had a rat coming into our kitchen and we made peanut butter mixed with baking soda into little balls (wear gloves)and put them wherever we see rats and they are no more.
Hope this helps you.

 

[Clubber1234]

Rats love peanut butter, more than cheese even! Simply mix equal amounts of baking soda and peanut butter to form 1-2 inch balls. It’s very important to wear the disposable gloves anytime you are mixing or molding the poison with your hands. First, the gloves will be hide your scent in the poison that you concoct- rats would be tipped off otherwise. Second, it helps you avoid poisoning yourself!!
How does it work? Essentially, the peanut butter is the bait, and the baking soda as the rodenticide.

 

[salshappyhen]

Rats love peanut butter, more than cheese even! Simply mix equal amounts of baking soda and peanut butter to form 1-2 inch balls. It’s very important to wear the disposable gloves anytime you are mixing or molding the poison with your hands. First, the gloves will be hide your scent in the poison that you concoct- rats would be tipped off otherwise. Second, it helps you avoid poisoning yourself!!
How does it work? Essentially, the peanut butter is the bait, and the baking soda as the rodenticide.

Thank you! This sounds worth a try for sure. Would you put the balls down the tunnels if you were me?

 

[Clubber1234]

Thank you! This sounds worth a try for sure. Would you put the balls down the tunnels if you were me?

Yeah, give it a go! hope you Eliminate them!

 

[salshappyhen]

Thank you! This sounds worth a try for sure. Would you put the balls down the tunnels if you were me?

I'll do some more research on this but do you know if these balls would be safe if my dog got one? She loves PB too!!!!!

 

[salshappyhen]

Rats love peanut butter, more than cheese even! Simply mix equal amounts of baking soda and peanut butter to form 1-2 inch balls. It’s very important to wear the disposable gloves anytime you are mixing or molding the poison with your hands. First, the gloves will be hide your scent in the poison that you concoct- rats would be tipped off otherwise. Second, it helps you avoid poisoning yourself!!
How does it work? Essentially, the peanut butter is the bait, and the baking soda as the rodenticide.

I'll do some more research on this but do you know if these balls would be safe if my dog got one? She loves PB too!!!!!

 

[Clubber1234]

They'd be fine I've had my chickens and dog eat them so they should be fine.

 

[cmom]

This is what I use and other critters can't get to the bait because of the small opening, only rats and mice. My drawing isn't very good but the red mark shows how the rat/mouse get to the bait.

 

[Howard E]

These were put together for folks just like you.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/rat-control-101.1283827/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/dead-rats-and-secondary-poisoning.1283489/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/rat-proof-feeder-review.1180514/

Keep and open mind on the use of the bait blocks. Ultimately, that is what will likely work best.