Comments on: I Smell a Rat

By: Frank

Frank — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:39:51 +0000

Albert, snakes have been voted down at our house. (I’d still like to sneak some in…we need some predators.)

I’ll have to read Sullivan’s book. I’m going to be prepared to be grossed out again. Ick.

By: albert

albert — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:12:40 +0000

no boa? how about a python? my brother had a 6′ burmese python. it rocked.

also, gross. rats! i recently finished Robert Sullivan’s ‘Rats’ book where he studied the life of some NYC rats which led him across the country seeking out rat experts. creepy and fascinating at once. brooklyn’s rats were the heartiest.

By: Marvin

Marvin — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:22:10 +0000

Sheryl: Perhaps a few black rat snakes then? Our native constrictors are better adapted to your winters anyway.

By: Sheryl Roche

Sheryl Roche — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:50:46 +0000

Ok – I have to weigh in before my husband goes completely nuts – NO BOA’s!
Rick – milky spore really helps eliminate the Japanese Beetles. We have been getting treated for a couple of years by a professional company and the trees and roses are almost beetle free.

By: Frank

Frank — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:25:18 +0000

Tuna, I do remember…it’s just so creepy. I took down the feeders near the house…have one about 50 feet out in the yard…I’m afraid I’m gonna have to get rid of that one too. Creepy.

Ugh about the beetles and ash borer. How nuts is that? And yes, of course it goes after your best tree. That kind of stuff makes me want to cry.

By: The Tuna

The Tuna — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:17:35 +0000

Remember I told you I had to take down my bird feeder for the same reason. I’ve eliminated the rodents but now our area is under attack from the Japanese beetle which is stripping the leaves off much of the shrubs, and the emerald ash borer which is wiping out the Ash trees, and of course my best tree is an ash.

By: Frank

Frank — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:55:26 +0000

Moni, I know…I swear, I even hesitated writing this because it makes me think I sound like I’m living in a garbage dump. It’s so gross.

Merci, it is a lot? Hmmm…I guess I should have thought about that…I know we have a TON of birds…but guess what, now we have rats. Ugh.

Pinky Bear, yeah, those D.C. rats are the worst, but I have to say, at least THEY are not on my deck. They super gross me out. Yikes…I’m still freaked about it.

By: Pinky Bear

Pinky Bear — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:02:42 +0000

The two legged rats scare me, the ones in Washington!

By: Merci

Merci — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:05:33 +0000

20 lbs of bird seed per week is a HUGE amount, in my experience with feeding birds.

A nice bobcat or two could help the fox out. You could try planting some lavender near the feeders. I don’t think they like the smell. Cedar chips might help, too, though they might put off the ground feeding birds, as well.

By: Moni

Moni — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:59:07 +0000

ewwww! I would totally freak!