Time for the Pied Piper? Rat Killing #1

Good Saturday morning. Here it is August fourth 2012 in the lovely town Of Clawson Michigan (ie Mayberry). The weather is just starting to lay its warm thick blanket in every nook and cranny and you can see a few ambitious morning neighbors scurrying about to get their chores done.  

Unfortunately there are other creatures scrurring about with us.

Rats. 

Right here in Rivercity.

Like many of you I am a Gardener and love working outside to beautify my yard as well as visit with my neighbors. 

The sad story is we all have had rat sightings.

I'm sorry I meant to say RATS!

At first I thought they were seeing Opossums or Squirrels even chipmunks.

I have been doing all the natural things (though sometimes I feel like a witch mixing potions) sprinkling everything from Shake Away (Wild Critter Urine), peppermint oil, ammonia, and cutting back things so I can see as much as possible.  I have a Terrier who loves to hunt the rats so they are not in the center of the yard. Alas, after repeated sightings I went on line and did a lot of research on the least frighting (for the human) way to kill a rat. I am not coordinated enough to handle a giant rat trap so I bought an electric killer.

This is the first time I have killed animals but we all must admit we have a huge problem. These rats are exhibiting desperate behaviour. Normally they come out at dusk through dawn- but when times are tough (too many rats, not enough food, water) They will dig a hole why you are getting a tool from the garage.

This morning I caught two Norway rats. I have decided to blog about it in hopes that this will inspire all neighbors to start trapping and killing. The natural things I put down seem to keep the squirrels and the chipmunks out of the mix.

I live close to the park.  

The device I have worked perfectly.

I should mention these rats though not ugly are prolific. What I have read is they can produce 20 offspring easily in a month.Please correct me if I am wrong. 

I will keep you updated daily as I have a feeling I am going to become a rat killing machine.

On the next blog I will give you the name of the electric device I found.

Please let me know how many rats you are finding. If I am not mistaken I think there is State money that may be available to help the city with eradication.

On that note. Have a lovely Saturday, keep your garbage in TIN cans, your dog droppings cleaned up, and leave no water for them to drink at night.

Sincerely, 

Your Caring Neighbor

August 4th:  Two Norway Rats about 6 -7" in body length.