Not the best of grey and cold winter mornings for me l have to say.
I opened my sty-encrusted eyes on the world, and dragged my cold-infested body down stairs, only to discover the washing machine has been leaking.
I managed to pull it out to look behind and there was the evidence that we seem to be sharing the house with an unwanted and bewhiskered little long-tailed rodent that needs an instant eviction order. A pipe bearing more than the odd nibble.
I have to be honest and admit that there seems to be some four-legged activity in the attic too. You can lie in bed and hear the little fellow scurrying about. Not exactly helping achieve a silent – and sleep-filled – night.
Our family cat looks up towards the noise above our bedroom ceiling too, but George has reached the age when – as most of his major teeth are no more – he would be no help as a mouser if we put him up there!!
I have tried baiting with a humane trap that doesn’t kill, but catches and retains its victim. I would happily take the creature to a nearby field. No success – however tasty the cheese and peanut butter.
This cannot go on.
Oh dear! You need to identify the point(s) of entry and seal them off. Ours came through from next door through a hole that once held a pipe but was no longer used.
Rats can fit through a hole the size of a 10p piece. Good luck.
Situated by the river I have had the pleasure of hosting the odd rat in my kitchen, despite living in a smart modern flat that according to my friends is obsessively clean. My latest weapon which touch wood is working is to wipe the gaps under the dishwasher where the unwelcome guests squeeze in with diluted Caribbean Scotch bonnet pepper sauce. My idea. Can I hear sneezing from behind the wainscot? Keeps Borrowers at bay too I reckon !!
Richard – I will email you an 18th century rodent killer
Hi Richard, fond memories of your dedication to the local music scene back in the 80’s from me.
I struggled with a rats-living-in-the-walls problem last year. Check you insurance, it probably won’t cover damage from vermin – so beware. Your insurance may cover the cost of calling in an expert to get rid of them, check the policy document and schedule.
It’s a genuine dilemma when you have cats, either at home or living nearby because you can’t use poison. Bait your traps with nutella or peanut butter.
We eventually managed to identify how they were getting in and blocked it off, but I thought I heard one again the other evening, sigh.
We found evidence of rodents both under the bath and in the loft. I recommend Andy of Day’s Pest Control – he dealt with them swiftly and hopefully they came to a painless end. No further signs of them 2 weeks on