Hey everyone!
I’ve been battling a persistent rat problem in my urban backyard for months. These critters are relentless—chewing through wires, raiding my compost bin, and even nesting in my shed! I’ve tried traps and peppermint oil, but they keep coming back.
I’ve heard some communities have successfully reduced rat populations through coordinated efforts. For example, cities like Chicago and New York have implemented large-scale programs. But I’m curious about smaller-scale success stories.
@LindaWild Seal every entry point! Rats can squeeze through holes the size of a quarter. I used steel wool and caulk to block gaps in my foundation and walls. Combined with snap traps, this reduced my rat issue by 90% in two weeks!
Steel wool, genius! Did you use bait in the traps? I’ve heard peanut butter works well.
Yes! Peanut butter mixed with oats. Just reapply daily, it dries out quickly.
Adopt a cat! My neighborhood feral cat colony took care of our rat problem naturally. Plus, they’re adorable pest control agents.
Dry ice in burrows! A friend in Denver used this method, it releases CO2 and suffocates rats underground. Eco-friendly and effective!
Organize a community clean-up! Rats thrive in clutter. Our block started a weekly trash patrol and removed overgrown vegetation. Rats left within a month.
Electronic traps. Pricey but worth it, they zap rats instantly. No mess, no stress.
Barn owls! Installed nesting boxes on my property. One owl family can eat 3,000+ rodents a year. Silent and sustainable!
Used a mix of ammonia-soaked rags (they hate the smell) and motion-activated lights. Rats are gone, and my garden is thriving!
Work with local authorities! My city offers free rat-resistant trash bins. Reduced infestations by 60% in our area.
Switch to a sealed compost system. Rats stopped raiding my pile once I got a tumbler bin. Also, avoid composting meat/dairy.