There's a rat in mi kitchen...

[B00]

No really there is, and I'm totally freaked out.

We have an old fire, never used in there, and I'd noticed the dog snuffling round it extremely interested and jokingly said to Mr Boo "Bet there's a rat behind there". Well it bloody backfired on me, as apparently there is, Mr Boo saw it scuttle back in there when he did a late night forage for food (hubby I mean, not the rat, though no doubt that's what it was doing as well!) I know (well now I do) that it was eating the dog's left over food, so that will be picked up before i go to bed each night, there's nothing else (food wise) it can get to.

Would a humane trap work? About a tenner on Ebay. Reluctant to put poison down as a) im a softy, don't want to actually kill it, and b) scared the dog will eat the poison instead. What do I put in there? The trap I mean? Chocolate?

Mr Boo says that once it's gone, he'll rip the fire out and board up the hole.

Please help me, I shudder each time I think about it :-(

[ummmm]

Lol....

We did have them, so you're half right. I didn't panic about it though. Unlike BOO...the wuss ;-)

[Barmaid]

I've seen this thread - I hope you get it sorted B00. I once found a live rat in my living room - thankfully I had a seriously evil cat at the time whom I sent it to kill for me (I suspect said rat was brought in by ASBO who then lost interest).

I understand that rats are incontinent so you will need a decent supply of disinfectant to give the place a good scrub - but get the ratcatcher in and let him deal.

I was however very concerned about this post from China "Want me to post the cat to you?

Poor boobies... <<< see genuine empathy that, no sarcasm, I feel the same way when some hideous bug enters my place :-/ "

I think referring to Snags as "some hideous bug" at this stage in the relationship is a little cruel.............

[B00]

carakeel- Perhaps I should have phrased it...."the dog, a ratter, my bum!"

Ummmm-- I can't help bein' a big ol' girl about it, it's making me feel ill thinking about it.

Barmaid- Rofl, but meh, i'm sure snaggles has been called worse ;-)

[ummmm]

I know I know :-)

My daughter was over when we discovered ours......she was running round screaming, so I kinda understand....

[B00]

I'm having to wait till later on this afternoon, after work before I phone the council, as I really don't want to do it when Mini Boo's here. At best she'll tell the entire school we're living in a rat infested hovel, at best she'll be hysterical.

[ummmm]

EDDIE - It was me that mentioned next door. They were chucked out near on 3 years ago and the house was completely renovated. Not seen one since...

[B00]

Next door at mine said they saw a rat in there yard, which ran under their shed when they saw it.

Mr Boo says the only way our house guest would've got in the house was because we've left the kitchen door open most of the summer, as you do. He reckons there's no way it could've got in otherwise, which is slightly reassuring.

[B00]

Their yard- not there...grammar Boo, grammar!

[starone]

Here in Bristol the council pest control do not charge to get rid of rats, but they do charge for getting rid of mice. They always ask if you have pets and they will put the poison where your pet cannot reach it. We have had two - at different times - and the pest control are really very good. In my case they were outside in the garden, so not quite so bad, but still horrible. When my husband was alive we had one in the garden and he shot it - the only animal he ever killed. We asked the neighbours first if they minded and they were all behind him all the way. No-one likes rats. Strictly speaking it was against the law, but no-one was worried about that. Ages ago so I think I am all right telling you.

[ummmm]

They probably need to move their rabbit food from the shed.

[goldenbolls]

put a board down with a glue like substance on it, hardware or b&q sell it for catching rats / mice, put bacon in middle of it, rats love bacon !!! personally i would just kill it with poison, i hate the filthy dirty things, they are full of disease and will probably end up in your bedroom lol if you dont get it first, get the hole blocked up asap !!! good luck

[starone]

It's not Roland is it?

[starone]

I agree with golden. I would freak out if I had one anywhere inside of the house. Outside is bad enough!

[ummmm]

Like Ratter said....they're more terrified of us.