I agree, @debs64. Outside, not a lot of problem... However, our predecessors in this bungalow let the verge pointing on the gable end fall into disrepair, and rats seized the opportunity to find a nice warm place to nest (the loft). Then they chewed a hole into the airing cupboard, and from there into the kitchen cupboards... ...we found rat droppings, and dishes of poison, under the cupboards and in the loft when we moved in. Our builder renewed the pointing and checked for any other entry points and we now have a rat-free house, thank goodness.
OMG how on earth did the predecessors live there with all that going on! Glad you were able to sort it relatively easily. We have an old stone cottage which at some point was rendered over in cement. We've had all that removed and restored back but it's now left gaps under the eaves that have turned into an air bnb for the local bird population. Fortunately it's only birds and we don't have any attic space for them to get into. I'm waiting for someone to come and cap off the eaves before nesting season begins again!
The RSPB even provides information to help people make their houses more wildlife friendly by providing eaves nesting places. If you seal up yours, where can all the birds go? You may be adding more risk to already endangered species.
The RSPB even provides information to help people make their houses more wildlife friendly by providing eaves nesting places. If you seal up yours, where can all the birds go? You may be adding more risk to already endangered species.
Thanks for that info, I'll look into it. I left them there for the whole of last year as some went through at least 2 cycles of nesting. I was worried about whether they might be causing any damage but if there's no risk, then I'll definitely change the plans. We do have loads of trees all around the garden and I'm just planning some more bird friendly planting. I was also going to put up multiple bird boxes before capping off the eaves
We live in a relatively countrified area and despite several water sources nearby hardly saw rats but knew they were about. We started feeding birds and they instantly became very obvious being seen on the feeders every day. We stopped feeding the birds and they are now a rarity again (seeing them is anyway). I once read that they need food, shelter and water. Remove one of these and they will move on to other pastures. Worked for me. Now I tend to grow 'natural' bird feeders like teasel, echinacea and various other similar plants where possible. To be honest there's so much natural food nearby it's not a major issue. I have a pond but never see rats near it although I am sure they drink from it.
We live in a relatively countrified area and despite several water sources nearby hardly saw rats but knew they were about. We started feeding birds and they instantly became very obvious being seen on the feeders every day. We stopped feeding the birds and they are now a rarity again (seeing them is anyway). I once read that they need food, shelter and water. Remove one of these and they will move on to other pastures. Worked for me. Now I tend to grow 'natural' bird feeders like teasel, echinacea and various other similar plants where possible. To be honest there's so much natural food nearby it's not a major issue. I have a pond but never see rats near it although I am sure they drink from it.
Well, I have 6 cats (I inherited some) and they are all oblivious to 2 rats swimming in my pond!!!! I think because I had a new liner put in last summer and I feel I have to feed the fish through this winter until all the biota have recolonised. BUT I realise I have definitely been overdoing the food ... and I now have severely cut down the amount to the bear minimum now.
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I once read that they need food, shelter and water. Remove one of these and they will move on to other pastures. Worked for me.
Now I tend to grow 'natural' bird feeders like teasel, echinacea and various other similar plants where possible. To be honest there's so much natural food nearby it's not a major issue. I have a pond but never see rats near it although I am sure they drink from it.