Schrews and/or Rat problem in Florida?

Question

Our 2 labs have killed several rats and schrews (long snouted mice) in the past 2 months. This is a new problem and It is very concerning to me. The dogs have dug huge holes in the yard. Are the rats burrowing themselves under ground? I know moles and schrews live in burrows.
I can safely put out rat poison on the outside of my fenced property which has empty lots and dense natural foliage. I'd like to stop whatever it is from living in my fenced yard area. Since I'm not sure if rats burrow, I don't know how to get rid of the problem.

Answer 1

be careful with the poisons. if your dogs kill a rodent that has been poisoned they will/ could ingest the poisons themselves.

rodents don't like the smell of peppermint so maybe you can plant some around your yard

leave a bowl of mashed potato flakes and a bowl of water where your dogs cant get to them. the rats will eat the flakes and drink the water. as the flakes expand it will kill the rats

Answer 2

I've got the answer... Propane gas. rig yourself up a three foot piece of steel tubing on the end of a propane hose attach it with hose clamps, and sharpen the end so it will easily go into the ground... into the burrow.

Now find an entrance open or filled in. (Depending on if they are rats, gophers, or other critters. Now turn on the propane gas and let it fill the hole. Propane is heavier than air so if fills all voids and gasses the little buggers. They don't feel a thing, and I think they catch a little buzz.

The only thing you have to avoid is lighting the gas. That is great fun, but if they have burrowed under a tree, and are living in the roots it can start a root fire, and it's almost impossible to put out a root fire. So avoid temptation, stick to business and you will be okay.

Answer 3

In my experience, rats in Florida are general roof rats or fruit rats and don't burrow underground--they stay in crevices or trees. Mole do though and some kinds of dogs can even hear(maybe smell?) them.