Rats In A Neighbours Garden

[catholic]

My neighbour has a rat problem in her overgrown, neglected garden. When I first mentioned it, she denied that it was anything to do with her and was reluctant to enter into any conversation with me or take action. I told her that I would call a pest controller to investigate. The neighbour arranged to be out when he visited but he confirmed that the rodents were for now, solely in her garden. I was happy to pay for the initial inspection but the pestman will be coming back for the fourth time next week. I can see a large bill coming my way and I'm sure my neighbour will refuse to contribute. I emailed her (since she has been avoiding me) and mentioned that we should discuss the invoice when it arrives but have had no response. I have no wish to fall out with her and would like to settle this amicably. Any advice please?

[dannyk13]

Why are you paying for rats in a neighbour's garden.Contact the local council as rats are a health hazard and they will do something about it.

[catholic]

On the council website it says that they no longer deal with pest infestations. Their advice is to contact local pest control companies but thank you for your answer.

[diddlydo]

Forget about the rats unless they make frequent appearances in your own garden. We see rats around here from time to time but take no action as we live in the countryside and there are rats, mice, squirrels and all manner of wild life.

[youngmafbog]

Rats are ok if a few of them, we have them here and I dont bother.

The problem comes if there is an infestation then they do need to be dealt with.

I am surprised the Council wont intervene if the problem is not on your property. Might be still worth calling them.

[Prudie]

Have you ascertained what her financial position is? She might be avoiding you because she hasn't got the means to pay for it.

[woofgang]

Two choices....pay the bill or get public health involved. To be honest even if the rat man gets rid of the rats that are there, more will move in unless the garden is made and kept inhospitable and I don't see a way of your doing that. My garden is surrounded by other gardens and I have had spates of having a rat problem caused by my neighbours. I deal with it by keeping a cleared edge around my garden, which does have wildlife friendly areas, being meticulous about any edible rubbish or rubbish that smells of food, "beating the bounds" in my own garden and encouraging my dog to do the same. I keep tortoises who live outdoors so I do have to be very careful to discourage rats.

[woofgang]

They may no longer deal with them as in they keep pest controllers, but they do have a public health responsibility and can insist that your neighbour take action of they think the situation warrants it.

[bednobs]

You cant call someone out to deal with her problem for times and expect her to pay! It's similar imo to not liking the colour of her house then getting someone round to paint it and expecting her to pay! If the rats are not in your garden it's not your problem

[woofgang]

that depends bedknobs...if they stay in the neighbours garden then I agree but if the problem is spreading then no.

[maggiebee]

Just checked my local Council's website. I do realise that things may be different from Council to Council, but still worth pursuing IMO.

"Our Pest Control Section can provide a thorough and professional inspection and treatment regime for any problems relating to rats. This includes taking into account the environment concerned and, for example, whether other domestic animals may be present. Also we only use approved materials and all baiting is either tamper proof or inaccessible to domestic pets.

For further information or advice, details on charges, and to arrange treatment, contact the Pest Control Section.

We also offer an emergency call out service during May to September, which can be arranged by calling 01382 xxxxxx.

[New Judge]

//Contact the local council as rats are a health hazard and they will do something about it.//

If only. Pest Control is one of the many things my local authority (and I’m sure many others) has abandoned over the years. I’m not really sure what LAs are responsible for now apart from emptying the bins, but that’s another story.

I have rats in my garden from time to time and my garden is by no means unkempt or unattended. They are OK unless they get into somewhere where you really don’t want them (like a shed or greenhouse). They seem to confine themselves to my compost bins and I have to periodically leave them empty (which I’m going to have to do this winter). They don’t cause any harm but have a habit of “mining” and huge piles of excavated soil appear almost overnight. If they’re not causing you any trouble I wouldn’t bother. You won’t eradicate them. They may disappear for a while but they will be back. All you can do is make sure you minimise the reasons for them to be where they are (which is generally food and shelter).

[teacake44]

I can understand your concern, but to engage a pest controller, ( who's is going to bill you) for what you believe is a problem of your next door neighbour, then expect them to help with the bill after the event, is in my view very wrong. You make an agreement first.

[catholic]

Thank you to everyone who took the trouble to post. I appreciate it. I had already decided that since I called out the pest controller, knowing that my neighbour wouldn't, I would pay the bill. My neighbour can well afford to pay but I won't ask, nor would I ever fall out with her. I am just hoping that she takes on board the advice the pestman gave her. She has already removed her multiple bird feeders so I live in hope. Thanks again.

[teacake44]

Yep, bird feeding and the purchase of all kinds of bird food has bought its own problems, rats being the big one. Not only the over spill from the feeders, but most people keep the socks of food in their sheds. Rats will make their nests, and breed were there is the greatest supply of food.

[ynnafymmi]

I used to have rats in my garden shed.I was told the humane thing to do was to burn my shed down and while the rats were escaping to bash their heads in with the flat side of a spade or shovel.They never came back again.

[teacake44]

You could also become a sniper/hitman early evening, take up position from the bedroom window over looking the shed and bird feed area. A powerful air gun is all that's required.

[ynnafymmi]

No,teacake.My method is more humane.The rats i whacked never returned.Mind you,my shed didnt either. :-(

[Peter Pedant]

o god long post
rats?
ring the council
and then write
and your councillor
they have extensive powers under a variety of the public health acts ( from around 1850) nor surprisingly

You cant settle this amicably - someone has rats and wont act - tell her she is lucky you havent told a near neighbour who is a recent father ....

public health real danger - Plague! fleas! typhus
Pay? PAY???? the very idea of it

[woofgang]

PP you forgot leptospirosis.

[Peter Pedant]

// Contact your local council to check its pest control provision. Typically, councils will help you to get rid of some or all of the following: rats. mice.//

the whole of the post at 11 48 should be labelled
"I am taking the week end orf and am possed - this does not reflect in anyway the law of England or public health regs as at todays date"

virtually everything is wrong with it
starting wiv - rats are quite nice furry lickle fings really and do no harm .....( and going onto : I had a rat once and I called it .....)

o god this has to be AB on a bank holiday

didnt naomi comment once
puerile nonesense
and then go on to describe me as
stupid man ?