I have rats coming into my backyard?

Question

I have rats coming into my backyard because of my next door neighbours chickens and rooster....they have eaten through things,,,,,is there anything other than rat sack that I can deter them away.......

Answer 1

You won't be able to get rid of the rats completely, because more can always come in. But you can cut down on the problem considerably.
First, of course, repair any holes that let them into the house. Store food in heavy airtight containers, Maybe spray the containers outside with "Bitter Apple" to make them taste bad, too.
My favorite rat trap is the Rat Zapper, though it's not cheap. It is battery operated and instantly electrocutes any rat or mouse that goes into it. It won't harm humans or dogs or cats because they are too big for it to electrocute; anyway they would have to stick their paws all the way in to get zapped. It's painless, humane, not bloody, and easy to reset.

Answer 2

Call the county and have them work with your neighbor.

There are rat traps/poison you can get from Home Depot, etc - but really there isn't anything you can do. Rats actually learn - they will learn about your poison and traps and even those will stop working. If a rat is big enough, it will take win a fight with a cat - so skip that idea.

Shut off all water in your backyard - let your grass go brown...rake all vegetation away.

The rats will set up nests and tunnels, etc as long as there is a water and food source for them.

Answer 3

Well, Don't get a cat, especially if you dont want one, The rats are only hungry, they have a right to live as we do. Yes they spread disease but dont get the wrong idea about them, Rats in captivity are very friendly with next to no diseases.
(I know you never said anything about killing them or cats but other people have suggested it)

Try talking to your neighbours-Maybe you could sort something out like they have the chickens the other side of their garden or get rid of them. You shouldn't have to suffer, They should understand. If not talk to the council (or whatever you may call them) as someone has suggested.

Answer 4

Yes...Provide them with access to D con that you can buy at most stores. It is grain that contains heparin, which causes the rats to bleed to death internally. As well, it might help if you took pictures of the rats when they are in your yard, call the public health dept. show them the photos, and file a formal complaint. But deterring them is just not acceptable to me. They reproduce about 4 times a year, litters of 5-6, and carry disease. So I would just use the methods I have just outlined to get rid of them.

Answer 5

I love rats... I would hate to kill them or scare them. But, if you want to get rid of them, get a dog, cat, or ferret. All are predatory animals. Ferrets will be easier to keep, but will smell and, if you want, may require a cage. They are smaller. A cat, you will need a litterbox, food, water, vet, etc... A dog is the most difficult to take care of.

Also, for a terrible mean last resort, call an exterminator.

Answer 6

Ace Hardware sells a product that will chase them away. Put it along the property line but make sure your pets (if you have any) do not get into it. When it rains you will probably have to reapply it.

If you have a birdfeeder in your yard or any other food source they are coming after that.

Answer 7

I don't know what a rat sack is.
You could adopt a rat terrier from the local pound. They make great pets too.

Answer 8

There are always rats outside its just we don't usually see them. It is more important to make sure that they cannot get into your house by ensuring there are no holes in your external walls etc.

Answer 9

This might be a bit obvious, but - get a cat! Or a couple of pet pythons would do the trick as well. Ok, I'm just joking about the pythons, but serious about the cat.

Answer 10

Ya, the health department.