Rat in my dalek

[Vince G]

Took the lid off my dalek the other day and was greeted by a rat, sitting there on top of the pile. Not sure who was most surprised, me or the rat! The plot is pretty much clear of weeds, so I'm not likely to have to go in the dalek now until I dig the resulting compost into the plot in early spring, so I'm wondering whether there is any real need to get rid of ratty. I'm aware of the diseases some can carry, but I've also read that they can by useful by digging tunnels in the compost, thus aerating it.

So I'd like some reasoned comments as to whether I should get rid or leave be. Is the heat from the compost going to kill off any disease pathogens and is it still OK to dig in in the spring.

[Newton]

Where there is one rat there will be others.......they can breed like rabbits....they will always be around though but I would prefer to poison it and it's mates.....I am not sure about the deseases but I would not take a chance.....Sorry it's not particularly reasoned........

[roitelet]

I agree with Newton. Once they have found a food source and shelter all their friends and relations will join them and you will have a huge rat problem. Get rid of it as soon as possible.

[PyreneesPlot]

I've often had rats in the daleks, the numbers never seemed to go beyond a couple. But there were always lots of cats and better food sources like bin liners (not ours). But when we had them in the horses feed bins they were poisoned.

[Cue the Toms]

My sensible and reasoned advice after careful consideration over my morning cup of tea is, to get rid of it ASAP!!!

Hope this helps?

Chris

[Glutton4...]

If you are in any doubt, have a 'G**gle' for Weils Disease (Leptospirosis). It has Flu-like symptoms, and is usually fatal.

I'm afraid I'm on the side of the Rat-haters.

If you are still in any doubt, just remember that most (if not all, I haven't researched) Rodents 'dribble' urine, almost constantly, as they travel, rather than 'going' in one place. Well, that is what I am led to believe, but I am always happy to be re-educated.

[Two_Sheds]

If you have a rat in your compost heap, then it's too dry. You should be adding water with every layer addition of food scraps.

Rats don't like disturbance. Now you have a rat (you won't just have the one, either), you should turn the dalek. Take it up and off, then refill it, watering each addition. You'll see areas/patches of the contents that are dry, and you'll probably see tunnels in the soil where they've dug their way into the dalek.

[Aberdeenplotter]

.......they can breed like rabbits....

Bit of an understatement. The gestation period is only 3 weeks and the litters vary from 7 -8. Youngsters breed when they are 10 - 12 weeks old. They carry and spread salmonella,Weils disease,typhus etc. More info here Brown Rat. get rid and quickly

[Kaiya]

If you are in any doubt, have a 'G**gle' for Weils Disease (Leptospirosis). It has Flu-like symptoms, and is usually fatal.

Not true. In 2009 in England and Wales only 10% of people infected with leptospirosis died from it (3 people out of 33 infected) - it is more severe in those under 5, those over 65 and those with concurrent diseases, and farm workers are more at risk (via cattle). Of those 33 people, 14 caught it abroad. Thus the risk of even catching leptospirosis in England and Wales in 2009 was around 19 in 60,000,000, i.e. about 1-in-3,000,000. Which is roughly the same odds as being killed by lightning (killed, not struck; you are about six times more likely to be struck by lightning than catch leptospirosis).

Vermin in general shouldn't be encouraged but the risk to you is vastly exaggerated. Dogs, cows, pigs and indeed humans can also carry leptospirosis. Soil itself carries listeria. Dogs can carry e.coli, campylobacter and salmonella. Chickens and other pet birds can carry salmonella, campylobacter and psittacosis. Cat fleas can carry typhus just as easily as rat fleas, although their access is less common and typhus is incredibly rare here. With simple cleanliness the risk to us in all cases is incredibly low.

Personally I would approach the situation just the same as I would if I had mice in the dalek or indeed if I noticed the compost was a it dry - make the compost wetter since if it's dry it's not composting properly anyway, and wash my hands after working with any soil, as a matter of course.

[VirginVegGrower]

We had a mouse in ours and Mr VVG got rid. We have since added water.

[Vince G]

Thank you for all your responses. In particular thanks to Kaiya for the factual response, backed up by the research I've done on tinternet today.

Thanks also to TS for advice on how to make a slightly better compost heap - I think I'll do what you say and tip it out, rat(s) and all and rebuild with a bit of moisture. Surprised all the lush weeds I've been chucking in there have not provided sufficient moisture, but will add a little going forward. I think I'll fix some fine mesh chicken wire over the bottom of the dalek before it goes back on the base and wire up the hatch at the front. Are rats likely to be able to chew through chicken wire?

[Kaiya]

You're welcome This post has reminded me I need to water my compost!

Rats and mice can get through the smallest gaps - my pet rats could get through bars that were about 3.4" wide when they were ~75% mature and an inch wide when fully grown, and they were only doing so for fun - there was no survival or food benefits for them to do that in my house. They may not bother to eat through the wiremesh but I wouldn't put it past them to find a way around it!

[Two_Sheds]

Surprised all the lush weeds I've been chucking in there have not provided sufficient moisture

Daleks tend to be driest at the bottom & near the sides, esp on the side that the sun hits. Take the top off and have a look-see

Are rats likely to be able to chew through chicken wire?

Probably, if they're very determined. It'll put them off though. You've just reminded me that I have a rat-proof bottom going spare: it came with my big dalek but I don't use it. If you want it and can collect, it's yours

[VirginVegGrower]

I too have some weld mesh, one panel that if it is wanted, can be picked up. PM me first.

[Glutton4...]

If you are in any doubt, have a 'G**gle' for Weils Disease (Leptospirosis). It has Flu-like symptoms, and is usually fatal....

Not true. In 2009 in England and Wales only 10% of people infected with leptospirosis died from it (3 people out of 33 infected) - it is more severe in those under 5, those over 65 and those with concurrent diseases, and farm workers are more at risk (via cattle). Of those 33 people, 14 caught it abroad. Thus the risk of even catching leptospirosis in England and Wales in 2009 was around 19 in 60,000,000,...

Ace - thanks for that! I had thought it much higher; my Husband actually knew a chap (late teens or a bit more) who died from it. I used to work on Building Sites, and they were always banging on about it, too.