Update May 2021

I have not been able to keep the blog updated for sometime. I have been working away from home with my own job and returning home for just a day or two then back away. However, i have had a couple of outings with some of the team where i could.

I acquired a new permission back home in wales where i am currently working but difficult to attend as i have been on constant nightshifts with a 7pm start so unable to attend yet. This is at a local stables who has a big problem with rats and rabbits.

We have secured a new permission on a large farm in Kent. Unfortunately, only three of us could make it due to others working but had a great few hours. The farm had buildings galore and with only five dogs, we were unable to surround the area to catch every escaping rat. We lost about a dozen rats but caught five in total forgetting where we put one of the dead for a photoshoot, so only four in the photo. Poppy in the photo with her first kill for the day

One of the photos attached shows a piece of 3/4 inch ply-board on the same farm that the rats have been chewing on. No idea how long they have been gnawing on it but you can see what they can do if inside your property or in your vehicles where wiring is a favourite of theirs. Cars can be written off just due to rats chewing on the wiring.

Two of our air rifle enthusiasts have been covering some domestic properties with poultry in Essex and Surrey returning great results and satisfied customers.

This week, i visited a restaurant square in a location in East London. It is a square shared by several businesses where the rats are everywhere during the day and night. The local council are not performing as they should be and letting the rat numbers multiply. One of the biggest issues there is litter from all the local pop up food outlets. There are no appropriate bins supplied, no staff on duty to litter pick whilst the businesses are open. As theses businesses have been closed due to covid restrictions, the rats have settled and bred. The businesses i visited are in a cull-de-sac off the square and have one entry/exit. The rats have nested under the decking where the tables are set up which is not ideal for customers eating. They have a secured bin storage and each time they open the doors to put rubbish in the dumpsters, (their words not mine), the floors moves and when they open the lids on the dumpsters, there are high numbers of rats jumping out of the dumpsters. We will be in discussions with the landlord to make a plan on solutions to this problem.

I have been posting in several poultry groups on social media where i have been inundated with enquiries from poultry keepers nationwide. I belong to several social media groups for ratting permissions where we all share information and permissions. I have put many people in touch with dog and air rifle individuals and groups, so hopefully, those seeking help with rats will see their rat numbers decrease.

No matter where you are in the country, i can put you in touch with someone who can come and help you free of charge. There are no costs to you at all. Why?, it is a hobby and sport for us, just like fishing, watching sport or exercising. If you do make contact with someone to come to your premises, then a donation would always be appreciated as a thankyou as the equipment is very expensive to purchase and maintain and cover any travelling expenses.