Rats eating irrigation pipes

[judyvin]

I've been asked to put down rat poison at a friends villa because the gardener has said that rats are eating the irrigation pipes. Is there a poison here that is safe for all animals and humans but will get rid of the rats? I am loathed to put anything down that will be harmful to anything other than rats or is there any other deterrent?

[Keithcaley]

You do need to be very careful with it - the trick is to put it into spaces that are so small that no other animal can come into contact...

There are various containers/dispensers available on the market, or I have seen a length of the smallest bore drainpipe.

To be absolutely certain, contact Frog/Orkin Pest control (numbers are on another thread on this forum) and let them determine the best method, and placement of the poison dispensers etc.

They will need checking and replenishing at regular intervals!

[Cally]

Please do not put any poison down, the rat will die somewhere else to then be eaten by other animals for them to also die.

The only way is a box like container, the rat goes in but cannot escape, or as Keith suggests a professional who does not lay down poison

[kiplet]

Pop up to the Belediyesi.. they will assist you might be a small charge but at least you know poison is appropriate.

[Groucho]

Pop up to the Belediyesi.. they will assist you might be a small charge but at least you know poison is appropriate.

I'm doubtful they will use an appropriate poison...

If the poisoned rat dies and causes the deaths of neighbour's pets and wildlife it would be awful.

[sophie]

Sorry kiplet, but you have far more faith in the poison used by the Belediye than I do. Please, no poison at all regardless of where its obtained from.

[judyvin]

Thank you. I will contact Orkin and get them to put some traps down. My own cats are the neighbours cats which was why I was asking for advice about "safe" deterrents.