“You have the legal right to shoot grey squirrels and rats on your property, or property where you have permission to shoot. For most urban and suburban homeowners, that means their garden, and the air rifle is the perfect tool to do the job.
Of the two species of rat in the UK, the most common is the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). They carry diseases – salmonella, listeria etc – which can spread to humans; they eat the eggs of ground-nesting birds; and they destroy property. They are not popular fellows.
Homes, vehicles, and gardens are not safe when rats are around. Rats also pose a health risk because they spread infectious diseases to humans and pets. Once a rat problem has been discovered it is imperative to act quickly to remove the rats and ensure they do not return.
Are you allowed to shoot an air rifle in your back garden UK?
If you've just bought your first air rifle, or you're looking to get one and you're wondering whether you can shoot in your back garden, the short answer is yes, you can.
Rat poison is something that should only ever be used by professionals. While there are options available on the market for at-home poisons, they are not effective at getting rid of rats.
While spotting one rat in your garden doesn't necessarily mean you have an infestation, it's a good idea to check for any other signs of rats that could indicate a larger problem. You should set up preventative measures and take action to get rid of them as soon as possible.
The lethal control (killing) of pigeons, seagulls and other wild birds in the UK is legislated by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), courtesy of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Chapter 69), which effectively reports that it is illegal to kill or injure any wild bird, including pigeons ...
It is legal for persons authorised by the landowner or tenant to carry out vermin control with an air rifle. The legal airgun quarry species include brown rats, magpies, carrion crows, rooks, jays, squirrels, woodpigeons, feral pigeons and collared doves.
Ammonia. Ammonia has a potent odor and will deter rats from your area. Because ammonia is a chemical in urine, rats will think it belongs to another animal and promptly flee.
The pungent odour of bleach will deter rats, but if you want to entice them and poison them with bleach, mix a tablespoon of bleach with two tablespoons of peanut butter. Butter is appealing to rats, and it will mask the pungent odour of bleach.
Rats are social animals with clear social structures. They learn from one another. If a rat eats something and drops dead, the other rats who witness it will avoid it. In the same way, if they see a rat caught in a trap, they will become much more cautious.
Shooting of rats also increases the chances of being able to locate and remove dead rodents which may otherwise be lost or die elsewhere. Please Note: Shooting of rats can only be carried out under specific circumstances and environments. It is not an advised treatment for the average domestic rodent issue.
Black rats, which scale trees and enter homes through coin-sized holes in attics, find peanut butter irresistible. Brown rats, which typically rummage through garbage and snake their way inside homes via tiny cracks, can be tempted with smelly cheese.
FASTRAC with Bromethalin is Bell's newest and fastest acting rodenticide. An acute bait, FASTRAC kills rats and mice in one or two days, often within 24 hours! As an added plus, rodents stop feeding after eating a lethal dose, saving you money and bait. More rats and mice can be controlled with less bait.
People who will kill magpies on their property may be legally challenged and they will have to provide proof that the killing was necessary. In cases like this, the scientific findings which indicate that magpies are no threat to garden birds will be used as evidence against the perpetrator.
Pigeons are considered a pest species because of the damage they cause to buildings and the risk to public health and safety. Some of the damage pigeons can cause includes: Pigeon guano build up is corrosive and can cause damage metals and other building materials.
Eucalyptus is a powerful scent that rats find repulsive. This aroma can be highly effective in deterring rats from infested areas, whether it's the strong eucalyptus oil or the distinct fragrance of crushed eucalyptus leaves.
Peppermint oil, citronella and eucalyptus essential oils in their pure form are all smells that rats will dislike. A few drops of these oils in their pure form around the areas you know the rats have been should do the trick. Alternatively, soak cotton wool in essential oil and place in rat traffic areas.
Rats will infest a garden if they find it hospitable for a dwelling. So, if your garden offers plenty of hiding places, they will love it. If it offers them lots of food, be it from a food garden you're working really hard on, pet food left outside, or a constantly opened rubbish bin, they will love it.
