The answer.
OK, dear friends, I have the answer to "The Villages Rat Problem" if there is really such a problem.
1. Every home should have a Rat Terrier or some similar dog, such as a Jack Russell Terrier. These, active, feisty little dogs are (literally) death on rats.
Don't deceive yourselves that a cat will do.
2. Protect your garage, which cannot be sealed against entry by rodents, snakes, etc., by putting out rat poison or sticky traps, at your option. I prefer sticky traps. The poison or traps must be positioned so your dogs cannot get to them.
3. A trap in the attic, if you have access, would be a good idea as well. This is the most likely place that you might have a rat problem.
Do these three things and your house should be secure from rats. As far as it goes with rats outside, as someone has already observed about other wildlife: you are in Florida. Get used to it.
By the way. Keep your terrier on a leash whenever outside. The instinct to chase rats, squirrels, and other critters is very strong, and voice command would likely not be sufficient restraint.
(Terriers need a lot of exercise. Walking them daily would probably be good exercise for you too.)
Whoever said "you can't buy love" never owned a dog.
.
|