Help needed! Lived in my house for around 5 years, and worked tirelessly on the garden. We now have two lovely outbuildings (big shed and garden office), veg patch, small pond, fruit trees and gorgeous lawn. We cleared tons of rubbish when we first moved in, and Dh always keeps,on top of everything as far as maintenance goes...so far, so good.
But for the first time ever, this year we have spotted rats about the place! First time was earlier this year. The got under the shed and went for the wild bird food we had in there. She'd was a bit knackered so we got rid, dug up new foundations and installed a better quality shed. We got rid of the bird food and now only buy as we need it. Problem solved.
But now, over the last week or two, we keep seeing a brown rat running out of one of the hedges, and across the lawn. It seemed to be attracted to the bird table. We have cleaned away all traces of bird food, checked bins, done everything we should do. We have even written a letter to all the neighbours, letting them know and Offering suggestions (such as some of the things we have already done) as I know some of them are keen on putting food out for birds and hedgehogs.
Anything else I should do? Anyone else had a rat pop up out of the blue?
Also, I feel bad for other wildlife! I can't feed the birds and winters coming! I also can't risk chemicals/traps as I don't want to poison cats, and I have two dogs.