trenchfoot 4,243 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Over the last few years I've always prided myself on the fact that rats never dwell on our small holding. Despite having horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, ducks and occasional others, and all the shit and feed that goes with it. I also do pest control on some of the farms, yards and small holdings hereabouts, and If I do say so myself, have always been successful. I have only once had to resort to poison. Relying on traps, shooting, dogs and convincing the owners to make changes to ensure they are not creating rat heaven. last year I took over 1000 of the buggers. But now I've lost my touch. A few of the buggers have taken residence in the runs, and I can't for the life of me finish them off. Shot 1, dog had one. but not one in the 12 traps that I have around the runs and then pen. I've dug all the base up where the main burrows are and back filled it. tried all sorts of baits. most of the trap tunnels are permanent fixtures so they should not be spooked by them. Fenns, snappers and body grips, in tunnels, blind stops, covered traps with sand, leaves. And bloody nowt. the layout of the runs, and the badger netting make it very difficult to shoot, or smoke 'em out for dogs. but he swines are still there, flicking the V. I know they are, 'cos I've seen 'em on a trail cam. Short of poisoning, which I want to avoid at all costs, I'm at a loss. any pearls of wisdom greatly appreciated. My pride and reputations at stake! Quote Link to post
socks 32,253 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Whip snares on the runs ... Or sit out at night with gun and night vision or a dim red filtered torch ....... 1 Quote Link to post
Mr Muddy 141 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Whip snares on the runs ... Or sit out at night with gun and night vision or a dim red filtered torch ....... How credible a cheep alternative is a dim red filtered torch to a night vision scope, for rats, in your opinion? If you don’t mind me asking. Quote Link to post
trenchfoot 4,243 Posted January 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Whip snares on the runs ... Or sit out at night with gun and night vision or a dim red filtered torch ....... what wire would you use for a rat snare? or would a rabbit snare do Quote Link to post
socks 32,253 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Whip snares on the runs ... Or sit out at night with gun and night vision or a dim red filtered torch ....... How credible a cheep alternative is a dim red filtered torch to a night vision scope, for rats, in your opinion? If you don’t mind me asking. If your shooting a few rats at fairly close range then it works just fine ...... Quote Link to post
socks 32,253 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Whip snares on the runs ... Or sit out at night with gun and night vision or a dim red filtered torch ....... what wire would you use for a rat snare? or would a rabbit snare do Rabbit snare is far to thick mate a single strand of a decent rabbit snare would be strong enough for a rat snare .......... 2 Quote Link to post
Frontbum 76 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Ive had a bit of this from time to time just cant get the boggers to play ball, all I can think of is maybe form some sort of natural cover be it a small stack of bales or something down them lines (must be safe so none target etc), then food and lots of it gain there trust then let um have the traps. Sounds like you may have tried this and im not wanting to tell you how to suck eggs its just what springs to mind, anyway hope your on them soon Quote Link to post
terryd 8,954 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Found few posts on rat snaring the other day http://www.thehuntinglife.com/forums/topic/3092-rat-snaring/ Quote Link to post
socks 32,253 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 I make my whips out of plastic piping ... It never rots and never loses its spring ....... 1 Quote Link to post
iwm 71 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Ive had a bit of this from time to time just cant get the boggers to play ball, all I can think of is maybe form some sort of natural cover be it a small stack of bales or something down them lines (must be safe so none target etc), then food and lots of it gain there trust then let um have the traps. Sounds like you may have tried this and im not wanting to tell you how to suck eggs its just what springs to mind, anyway hope your on them soon I agree with F/B but maybe move the permanent trap covers somewhere else and feed on the unset traps for awhile before resetting good luck!!! Quote Link to post
trenchfoot 4,243 Posted January 7, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 Thanks for the tips guys. I've always left rodent friendly structure in the runs. traps go in as and when needed. new trap tunnels are in place and some of the old ones have been moved. NONE of the bait, of any type, is going, unless its just odds and sods left out in the open. I'll set a few snittles tomorrow and see how that pans out. Failing that, I'll pump a couple of tanks of water through the lot, whilst using old sprout sacks over the holes! its embarrassing, our lass is laughing her tits off 1 Quote Link to post
kevin kiely 66 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 Don't know much about it but would a ferret do any good Quote Link to post
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