We have an abused, neglected house and garden that we are currently rehabbing. (Not the yard in the photo, lol) I am going to plant a pollinator garden, some veggie beds and other happiness-inducing stuff in the back. I really wanted to bring over my closed, tumbling composter. But I'm really afraid of attracting (more) rats. The house already has a rat problem (working on it). I also wanted to put out a bird feeder (the kind with a cute little camera) but I was afraid all I would get pictures of is…rats. Am I wrong? Can people in South Austin (Maple Run, specifically, near whirlpool cave) have bird feeders without them becoming rat feeders?
My house is bordered on one side by a ditch that runs for several blocks, so lots of wildlife in general. Which is fine. And I like rats in general. I just don't want them sniffing around my house, looking for an invite.
by AffectionateAd905
4 Comments
If you have rats, it means somewhere nearby there’s a food source.
Get rid of the food, the rats (usually) go away. And what you’re describing is giving them a food source.
But, if you ca figure out where they’re nesting, you can trap and/or poison them. Which I encourage you to do if you aren’t already.
Yes, we like the nature in general, but rats are a very destructive and invasive species. They’re also very territorial, so once they’re established, they will keep other species away from “their” territory.
I have rat bait stations in my back yard because they eat my produce if I don’t. My yard backs up to a field. I tried every deterrent in the book to keep them away and they laughed at me. It sucks, but most poisons “shouldn’t” harm secondary consumers…. I’m not sure if it does or not, but I really want my melons, tomatoes, and peppers!!
They do really like bird seed more than my composter. Yours looks more rat proof than mine, and they don’t bother mine with the garden, traps, and bird feeder.
Those tumblers should be rat-proof. Raccoons may tear into them, you can secure them with extra screws.
We have them around. They generally come out at night and aren’t a problem for us.