Vermin problem

[Woodwould]

Following the recent cold spell, we (and our neighbours) are experiencing an annoying infestation of vermin (I'd like to say they're 50 kg rats by the noise they make, but I suspect they're nothing more than common house mice).

There's no evidence of them in our inner sanctum, but they're highly active within the wall cavity, creating a hell of a racket, especially from dusk to dawn. Banging manically on the wall at four in the morning only results in a moments cessation of their gnawing and scratching, but causes me much pain as the awakened Mrs. Wood lashes out at me.

In the good old days, one could purchase warfarin and other poisons that would cause the vermin to bleed internally and dehydrate, driving the critters outdoors in search of water, but the last time I bought mouse bait, the roof space ended up full of decomposing carcases whose stench pervaded the house for weeks!

Can anyone recommend a sure-fire way of quickly, cleanly and hygienically (I'm not that bothered about humanely anymore) getting rid of the little buggers - or could someone lend me a cat that I could sling up into the roof space for a week?

[jchappo]

A friend of mine has had excellent results with Pestrol

They pack their bags and move elsewhere

[Woodwould]

Thanks for the response. I thought someone might bring up the electronic angle. As far as I can tell, there's no scientific evidence that ultrasonic or electro-magnetic deterents work.

Years ago, we bought a couple (different brands) and I actually have a photo somewhere of a mouse sitting on top of one of the units that was plugged into a wall socket and switched on (presumably for the warmth it generated)!

[Grumpy John]

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FOR SALE

One Useless Cat

[Woodwould]

Thank you, but no thank you!

[kiwigeo]

Woodwould,

I had a similar problem a few years back. The first thing I did was try and find out every access point the rats were using. In the end I discovered that the buggers were getting onto the roof from trees overhanging the house and then from there getting inside the walls. There was also one hole under one of the walls. I blocked up same and then placed traps in the roof cavity and under the floors. The traps in the roof cavity were all tied to long pieces of string laid back to the man hole so recovering the bodies was a simple matter of pulling on the strings.

For the rats that venture into my garden I arrange a target shooting session with a catapult made from a truck tyre and a large pile of acorns as ammo. So far Ive managed to pot 5 of the varmits.....the last one must have jumped at least a metre in the air and then landed dead with his feet in the air.....extremely satisfying but the neighbours think Im a nut case.

Cheers Martin

[chrisb691]

If you were in the USA......you could use a machine gun.

[Woodwould]

Woodwould,

I had a similar problem a few years back. The first thing I did was try and find out every access point the rats were using. In the end I discovered that the buggers were getting onto the roof from trees overhanging the house and then from there getting inside the walls. There was also one hole under one of the walls. I blocked up same and then placed traps in the roof cavity and under the floors. The traps in the roof cavity were all tied to long pieces of string laid back to the man hole so recovering the bodies was a simple matter of pulling on the strings.

I've seen rats squeeze through 3/4" chicken wire. I think it would be simpler to build a new house than attempt to locate and block up every 3/4" hole, but suggestion noted and appreciated.

If I'd had a shotgun last night, there would have been a few less vermin and some additional ventilation.

[tea lady]

We seem to have a healthy infestation too. Was doing the humane trap thing, but now leaning towards the idea of mass mouse murder. Maybe I could make off with my dads heart medication.

[cultana]

I heard this little bit on the local radio about eliminating the little things.

Nice lady rang in and said they used a bait, not sure if it was just grain or what, mixed with plaster powder. Once inside said eater of stuff, it would set and hence end of item.

[Woodwould]

As an irresponsible child, I used to make pellets by rolling carbide inside soft, fresh bread and throw it to the rats (and equally, up in the air at the seaside for the swooping seagulls to gulp down) and then watch them explode as the carbide became moistened in their gut and gave off rapidly expanding acetylene gas.

Sodium bicarbonate mixed with castor sugar will attract them and eventually kill them too, but I'd ideally like to prevent them expiring in the roofspace or wall cavities where they'll decompose and stink us out.

[RufflyRustic]

what about laying around some snake droppings?

[Woodwould]

what about laying around some snake droppings?

I don't fancy holding the snake by the head while I squeeze the crap out of it. Is snake poo the natural nemesis of the mouse?

[chrisb691]

I don't fancy holding the snake by the head while I squeeze the crap out of it. Is snake poo the natural nemesis of the mouse?

[petersemple]

We had a rat problem disappear quite without any smell a while ago. The only problem was that once all the rats were gone the carpet snake moved into the bird cage. If you have no small pets then maybe try and encourage a carpet snake to take up temporary residence?

Peter