What Do You Call A Rat That Steals Your Dessert? A Pie-Rat!!
I watched with bated breath as Artemus 2 made a successful splash down off the California coast. How brave the crew must have to be to travel at the speed they reached hoping not to burst into flame. Makes me ashamed to be so uncomfortable just flying to Alberta. I’m extremely interested at what was found by the crew on the dark side of the moon where the Chinese have been making investigations of their own. The pictures they have sent back have been incredible. Of course Trump made it sound like he and he alone was responsible for the successful journey while his wife distances herself by making a public statement denying any involvement or knowledge of Epstein and his helpmate. Someone should smack that smile off her face if anyone ever sees one. Of course the hell Trump promised to inflict on Iran was cancelled as if it ever was truly meant to be and now he’s dissing the Pope for his comments about this monumental error in judgement. Looks like everyone else is going to pay for a long time while he and Putin reap the rewards.
Much is happening in the yard now, the Forsythia is blooming and all my bird houses have tenants busy gathering nesting materials. What little I am growing in the greenhouse is doing well and most of my perennial plants survived winter. I was shocked that Alberta got another snow fall and delighted that we got more rain to cool off the warmer than normal temperatures.
I have spoken to quite a few people lately regarding the infestation of rats that is happening. Many at a loss as to what to do and others with some amazing ideas that I am going to try and see if I get good results. So far we have not have a lot of rats but the mice certainly as plentiful. Rats have rapidly been infesting the Interior and I have heard that they are in full force in Lumby and are doing considerable damage with their sharp teeth chewing through wiring, harming wildlife, ground nesting birds, chicken eggs and other small birds. They contaminate animal feed as well as any stores of grains or foods that they can infiltrate with their feces. They carry fleas that at one time spread the Black Death that killed 25 million people.
They are timid creatures that don’t like change or that are unfamiliar they are also very smart. The type of Rat that are here are named Roof Rats and they are highly prolific and are mainly concerned with basic food, water and shelter. They are nocturnal and their hours of operation are from about 1 hour after sunset to 1/2 an hour before sunrise. They can go quite a while without a water source as they will get that readily from the plants in your yard and garden. There are quite a few things that you can do to make your home less Rat friendly. This includes getting rid of places that could make their homes such as clutter around the yard, ensure that vents and other small openings to your home are covered. Keeping your trees and shrubs are well away from your house as they can jump several feet gaining access.
Unfortunately mulch provides them with shelter from the elements as well as sheltering from prey like owls. They do not like Castor Beans or the oil that is made from them so you can mix 2 parts oil to 1 part dish soap and spray it on any plants that are being chewed or where you see their droppings on the ground. They do not like Irish Spring soap, Moth Balls, Chilli Pepper flakes, Garlic or Onions, Tea Tree Oil or Boric Acid. Here are some of the measures I have heard of from several people.
If you see a hole that allows them into your house or access from the wall to a room stuff the hole with copper such as found in pot scrubbers. They cannot digest this and it also cuts their mouths. Copper wire laid out in small strips supposedly will also harm them. Rats and Mice also cannot eat Marsh Mellows so small handfuls of these can be placed in areas of activity. 1 cup Flour or Cornmeal with 1 cup Baking Soda with a sprinkling of Chocolate Powder this mixes with their stomach acids creating Carbon Dioxide Gas that will cause blockages and ruptures in their intestines which will kill them within 24 to 36 hours. Epsom salts is also toxic to them as well as giving a boost to your plants as long as it isn’t overdone.
I use a ton of snap traps and am catching a fair amount of mice. Be sure to cover your baited DIY formulas with a milk crate to prevent small animals and pets from getting into them.
Happy Gardening!
Samantha Nason
BS Ranch & Greenhouses
250 547 6567
sam1nason@gmail.com
