Grow Your Own Magazine

Hi, Could anybody advise on the best bait to use for mice and rats. I have set several mouse traps but bait disappears and traps activated. Have 1 rat trap which is encased in wooden box - with entrances at both ends - again this does not appear to be working (not sure if human interference with traps - some people do not like the use of traps). Try to keep them out of view and under cover to deter other animals. Only other solution would be poison but am reluctant to use at the moment.

Not sure how it would work outside but I use cooking chocolate on my mouse traps in the house - first sign of a mouse traps go down and within two days I have cleared that particular family out - they just love chocolate !!!!

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Rat

British by birth
Scottish by the Grace of God

[size="1"]Journal updated Tuesday 5th August

Go to the angling shop and get Casters, or sausages impregnated with Slug Pellets. I shoot Rats on my plot with a gun.
Benacre

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http://lowestoftnaturalist-benacre.blogspot.com/

Rat - Thanks - will give it a try and let you know results.

Benacre - Not sure if plot holders or houses overlooking allotments would appreciate me using a Gun - still could ask the armed police when they arrive to help - only problem would not be much of compost heap left. Your other suggestion however noted. Thanks

Peanut butter for mice. I think they pick the smell up because its soft. I always use crunchy. Have also used an air rifle to take pot shots at rats. I've never hit one but it don't half make them run like hell. (I wonder what rat tastes like?)

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Tina

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We've had a thread like this before but it won't stop me cracking the same gag,ask Baldrick for a recipe(Blackadder)

I had a rat problem once and took the advice of a local farmer as to which bait to use.
If you haven't got a farmer to ask I wold suggest that you go to the local Agricultural Merchant and they will advise on the best one to use. Rats are like Head lice, they become resistent to some baits. Don't use the stuff from the local hardware store it is a waste of money.

Happy hunting

Never ue the same type of bait two seasons in a row - they develop resistance pretty darn quick !

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Rat

British by birth
Scottish by the Grace of God

[size="1"]Journal updated Tuesday 5th August

I think Rat-au-van has got to be a clear winner.

Naah, Rat Surprise is best.


Or eat at Gimlets Hole Food Restaurant.

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Always thank people who have helped you immediately, as they may not be around to thank later.
Visit my blog at http://podsplot.blogspot.com/
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Speaking on behalf of my rodent brethern, I'm afraid that Rat-at-two-eeh is our favourite !!

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Rat

British by birth
Scottish by the Grace of God

[size="1"]Journal updated Tuesday 5th August

Rat vole-au-vent.


More seriously, trap sensitivity varies greatly.
I have had a bit of a mouse saga in my greenhouse and have found that of five traps, one works very well, one works ok and the mice strip the rest with impunity.

__________________
Always thank people who have helped you immediately, as they may not be around to thank later.
Visit my blog at http://podsplot.blogspot.com/
I support http://www.hearingdogs.org.uk/

I've tried three different traps myself and the best I have used is the all metal, spring type -similar to the traditional "Tom and Jerry" cartoon type of trap, but all metal, no wood

__________________
Rat

British by birth
Scottish by the Grace of God

[size="1"]Journal updated Tuesday 5th August