Hey everyone!
I’m dealing with a rat infestation in my backyard compost area, and I’d rather avoid poisons or traps. My friend suggested encouraging natural predators like owls or snakes to control them. Sounds eco-friendly, but will it actually work?
Barn owls are rat-killing machines! Install a nest box on a high pole (away from trees) and leave perches for them. One owl family can eat 1,000+ rats/year. Just keep pets indoors at dusk!
Feral cats cleared my rat problem in 2 weeks! I feed them daily to keep them around. @UrbanGardener2024, use motion-activated sprinklers to scare cats away from your dog’s area.
Love the owl idea! Do I need to provide food/water, or just the box?
Owls need open hunting grounds, clear shrubs near the box. No need to feed them; they’ll hunt naturally. Avoid rodenticides, though, they poison the owls!
Snakes like rat snakes work, but they also eat bird eggs. My neighbor’s pond frogs vanished after he introduced snakes. Risky trade-off!
Tried attracting owls, ended up with raccoons instead. Now using peppermint oil + steel wool in rat holes. Cheaper and faster!
Predators are a band-aid. Remove food sources and trim shrubs. Starve them out!
How many cats do I need? My yard’s 1/4 acre with 3 compost bins.
2-3 cats should patrol that size! Leave out dry food at night to keep them loyal.
Get a terrier! My Jack Russell digs out rat nests like a pro. Train them to avoid chickens, though.