Ratty

[TheHorticulturalHussy]

Hi
Has anyone successfully kept rats out of a greenhouse and if so, how?
Judging by the size of the hole, they have been to the rodent equivalent of Jewson and hired a digger.
I live rurally with a farm almost next door and neighbours' chickens on the other side so complete eradication isn't an option. Neither is poison, I don't actually want to kill them (DDog fancies herself a ratter and has dealt with a couple but she's getting on now)
Has anyone had any success with sonic deterrents or particular substances or scents? Anecdotally I think that eucalyptus or lemon oils can be helpful?
I'm resigned to sharing a small proportion of my fruit and veg with the local wildlife every year but last year I couldn't pick a single strawberry and I'm really not happy!
Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DK3FBGPW?th=1
we are in an old cottage in a similar rural situation, and regularly get mice coming into the larder, we use humane traps to catch and release them. But I got a sample pack of these repellents from Amazon Vine to review, they are like big teabags filled with herbs that mice are supposed to abhor. They smell extremely strong. The first night the mice walked past them to the traps for the food, but since then we haven’t had any visitors. People,in the comments with rats have had positive outcomes. Worth a try as no poisons are involved.

Thank you FizzingAda, I will have a look.

I had rats in mine (which is full of junk). I can recommend smashing most of the glass in a storm so that they don't have any shelter but it is a little drastic

More than a little drastic but I see your point. I do want to use my greenhouse though. 2 years ago I moved my strawberries from a bed into the greenhouse (well, pegged out runners and started again) because the fecking rabbits demolished them. Which was fine until Ratty and his mates turned up. I'm leaning towards lemon and eucalyptus oils I think.

I'm sorry, Jewson and a digger made me laugh"

We had a massive issue, my dog was no deterrent. Couldn't poison in case dog ate poison. New neighbours next door moved in with three cats, problem disappeared in a couple of weeks. I love those cats.

Glad you're happy with your feline neighbours but I won't have them in my garden. DDog feels the same, she despises and chases the nextdoor cat and oddly we don't see him at all now....
I am lucky to have a huge variety of visiting birds ( and rodents obviously 🤬) - I plant predominately with native plants for wildlife so killer cats definitely not welcome!
But thanks for your reply.

Trap inside the green house where they get in.

I went out first thing one Monday Morning and ratty had just had a worse Monday Morning than me!

Bait Box

Mine never returned after having a night in a live trap not much bigger than himself

What traps are you using?

I've got these but am only catching mice.