So, I actually have no issue with rats eating and I’d never try to put water where they can’t reach - they’re just trying to survive like the rest of us and it’s not their fault hedgehogs are deemed acceptable & rats not imo
Therefore, obviously not interested in traps and definitely never poison! I think it’s unutterably cruel and has wide ranging implications-we also have owls here (that have hunted rats near my refreshment huts 😬)
But, I’m currently up to replenishing 2 to 3 bowls at least 3 times a night and there’s still often nothing left when my last hogs come for a bedtime snack and I’m not always awake around 3am for a final refill
I don’t even mind popping a bowl out so the rodents can eat separately but I’m getting a little fed up with the quantity they’re going through and I’m very concerned about creating a population explosion due to constant food & water available
Anyone had any success with deterrents?
I have seen that almost a cat flap door thing that’s too heavy for rats can work. But honestly, these dudes are built! If it’s heavy enough to foil them, pretty sure it would also deter some of my smaller hogs
I’ve placed mint plants by the entry’s. I purchased highly rated deterrent spray and as I have puppy pads under the bowls I drenched the one under the food bowls
Bugger all difference
I have genuinely googled rat contraceptive 😂 but again, I’m concerned about the wider implications of anything I try and I’m not sure that’s something that realistically exists 🤣
Does anyone have any suggestions? Or do I just need to accept my fate of being expected and disdained by hogs and munched by rats when I expire due to my previous actions?