Does a .177 air rifle have enough “bang for its buck” Basser? I would go for a high power .22.
Habitat loss of them and their prey is more behind it.
Yes, I think you’re right Caricature, though it seems we are both right according to the Barn Owl Trust. So sad isn’t it.
Why are they less common now?
There is little doubt that the main factors are;
Low food availability due to intensive farming.
Road mortality, especially dispersing juveniles on fast trunk roads.
Loss of traditional roost/nest sites through conversion or decay.
Other contributory factors may include;
The effects of secondary poisoning by rodenticides.
Increased frequency of extreme weather events.
Paula, I am not a council tenant but in my area the local council provides free pest control for all the residents in the area.
Mice and bees, you are charged.
It’s odd that there are differences in policies between councils. My thread regarding wheelie bins has further such cases of differences.
Seems not entirely right that if you live on a road which might be less than 20 yards from aother, but which falls into a different council’s jurisdiction, then you might get a free service compared to a paid one.
I am not a council tenant either but I have just checked and our local council allow 1 free course of rat treatment per year.
The course comprises of three visits.
How’s it going, Carol?
Have your traps arrived yet?
Hi
A .22 on the legal limit with a Prometheus pellet.
Nearly got Son to do that, he has a .22, but then I thought, no, that is cruel & didn’t ask him. I haven’t actually seen any rats since I stopped feeding the birds.
I’ll let my brother-in-law know about those pellets, thanks Swimmy.
Yes I’ve got two traps. I’ve put chocolate inside them but I haven’t set them. This is to build the rats confidence.
When I see they are fetching the bait then I will set the trap. They will be released in the woods about two miles away where they will hurt no one.
I do hope these humane traps work but if they don’t I will have to resort to poison. (In special enclosed traps so only rats can reach it)
These are the council charges.
I think it’s a disgrace really when some councils do it for free!!
https://info.ambervalley.gov.uk/docarc/docviewer.aspx?docguid=9635d539694c4d0caf500e4b4ec6bc9f