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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To want to do something about these rats...

15 replies

Allboxedin · 21/04/2012 20:54

I live in a block of flats in London and have lived here nearly two years.
It wasn't too bad at first but steadily the rubbish bin area has got worse and worse with people from surrounding flats just putting food rubbish outside the bins and chucking it over the wall ect. The bins usually have plenty of room in them the waste team always come and clear up once a week.
I have seen people put a bag of rubbish right next to an empty bin just because they can't be arsed to lift up the top and put it inside.
Anyway consequently we are getting more and more rats. We had a dead one outside down in the shared garden area outside everyone's windows and I see one running around nearly everyday.
This morning I went outside and low and behold I saw one staring at me over the wall. I just felt sick. It just pisses me off why people are so lazy and just don't care about their immediate environment.
I want to say or do something but am not sure how and if it is any of my business?
I had thought about writing a note to the people in the surrounding blocks or AIBU and just stop freaking out about bleeding rats?
We are here temporarily until we sell and buy, but still, I want to walk outside my door without worrying if a rat is going to cross my path. We also have two young kids so wouldn't want to use the bit of garden downstairs with these horrible creatures everywhere.

OP posts:
sweetmoonbeam · 21/04/2012 20:55

Oh my God YANBU - I am terrified of rats, I'd be completely petrified! How awful for you!

Shutupanddrive · 21/04/2012 20:57

Could you put a sign up near the bins asking people to make sure they are in bins properly? YANBU I hate rats

Allboxedin · 21/04/2012 20:57

:(

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Allboxedin · 21/04/2012 20:58

shutup, I did think about that but wasn't sure what to write it on as if on paper the rain would just destroy it?

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Shutupanddrive · 21/04/2012 20:58

How about contacting the council to see if they will do something/put poison down

Allboxedin · 21/04/2012 21:04

Yes, thats an idea, which department do you think would deal with it?

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ivykaty44 · 21/04/2012 21:04

can you call the council or email and ask there advise for dealing with this type of problem?

Put notices up around the bins explaining that if people don't put their rubbish in the bin then the rat problem will get worse. Laminate the paper so it doesn't run

ivykaty44 · 21/04/2012 21:05

It will not be just rats that will be the problem - if there are scrapes of food and rats around then foxes will also become a problem and they are coming inside peoples homes as they become more daring

scarletforya · 21/04/2012 21:06

If people don't care that they're drawing rats, I don't think they'll pay any attention to a note. Sad

Is there any litter warden responsible for the area?

Allboxedin · 21/04/2012 21:09

Ivy, absolutely! We have foxes too. Not seen any litter warden or anything. I could try and laminate it though - could give it a go.

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Allboxedin · 21/04/2012 21:09

scarlett I doubt it too. :(

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Birdsgottafly · 21/04/2012 21:17

Environmental Health, pest control will deal with this.

Tbh, it may not be just because of the bins. There are fewer and fewer people who have ferrets and JR, these used to be the solution to the problem.

Foxes cover a large area and are harder to deter, once you are on their scavenging route.

Allboxedin · 21/04/2012 21:25

Thanks Birds. I heard a nasty animal fight outside a couple of nights ago. wasn't cats, not sure what it was. At least the foxes usually only come out at night though don't they? These rats are here and there in broad daylight. I will get in touch with EH and see if I can find an email address for them.

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Convict224 · 21/04/2012 21:33

In my experience, foxes on a date night make a huge amount of noise. It reminds me of when my husband and I were younger and more vocal during foreplay....it eventually became "brace yourself, Brigid..." However I digress, I don't think it's the season for foxes to go dating. So it was probably two cats on a date night, the queen cat screams when her partner withdraws as his penis has barbs.....I'm not making this up, honestly. Or it could be two animals fighting....my sons more than likely, after a feed of drink and poor anger management.......
I need to get out more...

Allboxedin · 21/04/2012 22:07

OMG convict I have learnt so much from you just now !! :) I seriously hadn't though about it that way!!
I hate it though when something gets something and you hear the noises get fewer and fewer apart as the prey dies..........................or maybe they just finished doing it - who knows Grin

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