Do I Have Rats In My Garden?

[hellywelly4]

I have noticed two holes in the ground fairly close to my shed and am a bit worried that I might have rats. I know I have wood mice under the shed, and I don't mind them at all, but the sight of the holes has worried me.
Any help appreciated.

[maggiebee]

Sounds as if you may indeed have rats. To be on the safe side I would contact your local council's environmental control department. If it's like here in Dundee they will have a section for pest control. No cost to clear them out.

[Brinjal]

Toads. They dig holes.

[craft1948]

We had rats in our garden when we lived in a little village. We rang Pest Control and along came the proverbial rat catcher...........little man with a flat cap and string tied round his trouser legs, along with his 2 Jack Russells. Sorted after 2 visits..........

[2sp_]

Remove anything that can hold water - ponds, empty plant pots or tubs etc.

Rats must have access to drinking water daily, so if you don't provide any they will hopefully move on.

I hate rats.

[B00]

" No cost to clear them out. "

Really? Cost me £30.00 from my council, and the rat was in my house!

[craft1948]

You're lucky B00, my divorce cost more than that........

[B00]

lmao!

Yeah my first divorce cost me way more than that too ;-)

[Frank97]

Somerset CC used to do it for free, not anymore!

[snags]

''I have noticed two holes in the ground fairly close to my shed''

How big are the holes... could rats... could be badgers... could be elephants.

[hellywelly4]

I got in touch with my local council - North Kesteven - they don't do it any more but gave me the name of the company they used to use, and they will ring me to arrange a time and date. Cost is £41 but what alternative is there? I could put poison down myself but would hate anything to go wrong. Thanks for the replies, anyway.

[Brinjal]

If you are going to put poison then put it in a closed container like an ice cream tub with a small hole cut in the side. Rats will find their way in easily but will protect other creatures.

[chas2008]

I keep poisen down all the time, living with a hedgerow at the back of me theres always mice around and the occasional rat, as much as i dont like killing little furry things but if left unchecked they can do so much damage and create smells especially in a shed or garage. (and breed at an alarming rate)

http://www.pestcontrolgroup.co.uk/neosorexa-gold-500g-rat-poison

this is one of the best its stocked by feed/farm merchants and i like to think they know what works.

[hellywelly4]

Thank you to all who have replied. The pest control people have been today, so my fingers are crossed.