Oh Rats!

Discussion in 'The Village Square' started by Raddang, Nov 24, 2016.

  1. Raddang

    Raddang In Flower

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    I know that Sjoerd has a trail camera and this is another use for them. About a week ago we heard scuffling in our loft. I set up the camera the next night and this fellow had moved in. A few nights with bait trays set, which were emptied by next morning. We heard nothing last night and, hopefully, our uninvited guest has met his (or her) demise. :)
    (Poor quality IR image but you get the message ;))

    Snapshot - 1.jpg
     
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  3. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    Great posting Rad.
    I hope that it died outside. hahaha.
    But good use of your camera. I have ours trained on the feeding area in the lottie so if rats come a-lookin', then I will see them.
     
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  4. Raddang

    Raddang In Flower

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    That is just a cropped still from a video clip Sjoerd, hence the poor quality. But he was a big fellow, I guess nearly 30cm body length and his tail was almost that length as well. The foxes must be finding too much easy pickings and not keeping the rat population down ;)
     
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  5. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    Well, he is a monster alright. Fingers crossed that he doesn't die out where those foxes can find it.
    We have a big rat problem on the allotment complex and it isn't helped by folks letting veg and fruit lie about on their plots. The pest control crew has their hands full.
    My IR cam hasn't turned up anything during the nights...not even a mouse.
    BTW--do you see hedgehogs there in your yard from time to time?
     
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  6. Raddang

    Raddang In Flower

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    Very occasionally Sjoerd. Our neighbour does see them but they put out more tit bits than us. We have cut right down on putting out table scraps etc to encourage the wildlife to hunt for themselves.
    The hedgehogs will all be in hibernation by now for the winter......Wouldn't mind doing that myself :):):)
     
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  7. marlingardener

    marlingardener Happy

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    Okay, you two guys have convinced us to get a trail camera to see what is going on at our watering stations and down by the pond. The camera is to arrive on Saturday, and I'm sure my husband will be out most of that afternoon and all day Sunday getting it set up.
    I do hope it doesn't show that we have a rat problem! We have coyotes, snakes, and a fox--that should take care of the rats, as well as other vermin. If we get a photo of a line of dancing frogs, I'll be sure to post it!
     
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  8. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    We couldn't put poison bait out in the garden for the rats to eat as we have a dog. We do, however, have humane rat traps and if/when we catch one we take it miles away and release it. I know they are considered vermin but letting them go far away from human habitation is the best way for us to deal with them.
    Jane if you do get shots of dancing frogs then I'll be the first in line to watch them. :D
     
  9. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    Yea, Jane & Co ! Good luck.---high five, Radd.
    I wanna see pics... dancing frogs or not.
    You have lotsa interesting subjects, Jane.
     
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  10. Raddang

    Raddang In Flower

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    Using the camera in the loft the last week only results in poor quality IR video or stills. When I mount it outside I get much better pics IF the outside sentry light comes on first. But it is only a very cheap camera that I bought as a try out. I may have already posted this but it is a few clips stitched together WITH the sentry light on.

     
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  11. Philip Nulty

    Philip Nulty Strong Ash

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    Well captured,..you could have a pair there though its hard to tell the difference,..nice to see them in the garden.
     
  12. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    I could just watch the films forever.
    Such curious beasts.
     
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  13. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    I wouldn't mind if foxes visited here but sadly I only catch glimpses of them around the village. I loved your video clip and have watched it 3-4 times already. :)
     
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  14. Islandlife

    Islandlife Young Pine

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    WOW - you had a MONSTER RAT!! I know some people keep them as pets but I don't like them and no matter what anybody says they do smell. Good to know you got him/her. Good riddance. I'm thinking about a trail cam too BUT am also not terribly sure I'd like to see what is out there and triggering it!!

    Lovely fox videos Raddang :)
     
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  15. kate

    kate In Flower

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    Sjoerd, i hope it died elsewhere....:smt089:smt089
    I had rats for weeks in the attic as soon as heating went off I could hear scratching. I had them so bad their urine ruined my bedroom ceiling wallpaper. Touch wood none now but I do leave bathroom light on now.
     
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  16. Islandlife

    Islandlife Young Pine

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    @kate that would be awful!
     
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