Solutions

                                                     Be aware

The Home offers many opportunities for rats to come set up THEIR homes in your home. If you offer them their basic needs they will be more than willing to share your abode with you. They do not care if you live in a Tajma hall or on the streets. They are not particular of their dwellings. Be aware of any new holes that appear close to food sources that would attract rats. Food sources of rats can

Compost Pile~ Best to use a composter that is off the ground that you have to rotate when compost is added. If you cannot as you have too much food waste then make sure it is turned often to upset any nesting and habitat living of the rats.

Manure Pile~ these are perfect areas for a food source and a nesting area for rats. Manure Piles and Compost Piles supply food and warmth during the cold months to live and have babies. Remove piles to a remote location far away more than 150’ from barnyard area if cannot have it that far away, turn often and have piles taken away often.

Feeding the Wild Birds~ Rats love the birdseed that has fallen to the ground that the birds have spilled. Best to not feed birds until temperatures are freezing at night and below 50 degrees during the day. In our area that would be about January to March. This is to avoid having rats that are looking for food sources in the fall for a winter residence!

Pet Food ~ Should be stored in metal trash cans if possible to deter rats from finding easy access to the kibble. Also pick up any poo around the yard as rats will eat the poo to eat the undigested food in it.

What if Piles~ This is what I like to call them ~ These are stored building supplies that we have a tendency to keep on hand. Typically folks like to place them on the ground. This provides rats a secluded weather protected area. Place cinderblocks on their Long edge with the holes facing to the outside, and then a pallet on top of them. Place "what if: items on the pallet. This allows wind, rain and snow to get underneath making uncomfortable for the rats to reside. Also take a metal garden rake to rake under the pallet disrupting any nest building every now and then.

Cord Wood Piles~ Same as What if piles~ Place cinderblocks on their short edge and then a pallet on top of them. Place what if items on the pallet. This allows wind, rain and snow to get underneath making uncomfortable for the rats to reside. Also take a metal garden rake to rake under the pallet disrupting any nest building.

Barnyard~

Manure Pile~ these are perfect areas for a food source and a nesting area for rats. Supplies food and warmth during the cold months to live. Remove piles to a remote location far away more than 150’ from barnyard area and turn often ~ every week if you can.

Compost~ Best to use a composter that is off the ground that you have to rotate when compost is added. If you cannot as you have too much food waste then make sure it is turned often to upset any nesting and habitat living of the rats. Also produces a nice warm area for a habitat during the cold months.

Vegetable garden~

Chickens~ Chickens are a big draw for rats for several reasons. First is the food as the corn that is in chicken food is high in fats and sugars which rats love! Second is chicken owners love to fill the hoppers for the chickens in the morning to make sure they have food 24/7

Ducks~

Horses~