Can I shoot rats in my garden with an air rifle?

Rats are the enemy of farmers and smallholders across the country, so grab your Airguns and take aim. Air Rifles can be put to good use controlling rats and here is how to go about it. An air rifle is particularly suited for killing rats.

Is it legal to shoot rats in your garden?

You can shoot mammal pests at any time provided you have the landowner's permission. Air rifles are suitable for brown rats, grey squirrels, stoats, mink and rabbits. Always shoot well within your capabilities.

What size air rifle for rats?

177 or . 22 caliber air gun shooting mid weight pellets at about 700 to 900 fps velocity should work well. The . 177 pellets are easier to find and safer for pest control around farm animals and equipment.

Can you use an air rifle for pest control?

Modern air rifles are also extremely accurate; with the right pellet and a bit of practice you should be able to humanely dispatch small pests such as rats, rabbits, grey squirrels and magpies out to 35m and beyond.

Can you shoot animals with an air rifle?

The first is accuracy: if you can't hit the target, nothing else matters. Since Air Rifles are best-suited for small animals like squirrels, rabbits, rats and some birds, the area that must be hit to ensure a humane kill is small.

Airgun law UK - what you can shoot in your garden

Can I shoot air rifle in my garden?

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.

Can you shoot squirrels with an air rifle?

The modern sub 12ft. lbs airgun is an ideal tool for the humane removal of pest species like the grey squirrel. Modern airguns are highly engineered, precise and ecological. Only firing a single pellet, they are near silent and highly discrete.

What is the best air gun for rats?

Is .177 or .22 better for rats?

177 superior. However, in the case of rats then they are best ambushed at 10 to 20m being difficult to spot further.

What is the best bait for rats in an air rifle?

The best bait for rats

Liquidised cat food is a good rat bait, Rats can't resist piles of this smelly, fishy sludge, and the fact that it has been turned into a soup means they have to pause and lap it up if they want to get a bellyful.

What kills rats quickly?

This is yet another reason why snap traps are worth using; they kill the rat quickly with little suffering and keep the body in an accessible place. Once you see that a rat has fallen into the trap, you should use a simple surgical mask and plastic gloves before touching it.

What is the best pellet for shooting rats?

Diabolo Ultra Shock

Intended for high powered rifles in order to benefit from the design, the Ultra Shock weighs 10.34 grains in . 177 and 25.39 in . 22. I have found them to be excellent for close range rat shooting.

Is .177 good for rats?

177 SLUG is the most effective rat killer on the market, and it's easy to use - so you can get rid of rats quickly and safely. If you're looking for a safe, effective way to get rid of rats, then 177 SLUG is the ammo for you! This ammo is made with special compounds that will kill rats quickly and humanely.

Can you shoot rats at night?

The night shooting of foxes, ground game and rats is necessary to ensure that damage to game, wildlife, livestock and growing crops is kept at acceptable levels. It is a safe and effective method of control.

How do I poison rats in my garden?

Poisoning rats

Poison is obtainable at garden and farm supply stores. The best method is to put the poison in a series of rat boxes and place them between their holes and their food or water source or where there are signs of droppings.

What to do if you have rats in your garden?

Are pellet guns good for rats?

A pellet from a modern gas-piston air rifle hits hard enough to cleanly kill vermin the size of rats and is an ideal way to deal with them without exposing your domestic animals to poisons while you improve your marksmanship.

Why do rats jump when shot?

I have also watched dozens of rat shooting videos mainly from the UK. A lot of times it does not matter if you shoot them in the head they are going to twitch, dance, jump and do the helicopter tail. Its just a matter of their nervous system firing and shutting down.

Can you shoot rat shot out of a 22 rifle?

22 cal. Exceptions for small game may exist in some states. Mice, insects, small rats (at very close range), very small reptiles, seen them used on sparrows, but don't think it would be a clean kill every time.

How accurate are air rifles?

Most shooters find a limit of around 20-30 yards for hunting consistently, however, some accurately hunt beyond 50 yards with “springers”. It all comes down to how well you and your rifle work together.

What power air rifle for pest control?

We recommend full power 11.5 ftlb air guns for vermin control, as well as targeting shooting. Whether you're at a shooting club or at home practising, these airguns will deliver. Spring rifles are particularly low maintenance, offering great affordability.

What is the best home defense for rats?

The best, most effective rat repellent option is a scent-based deterrent. A botanical repellent uses plant-based materials to help keep these pests from entering the property. Certain plant-based scents, such as peppermint or balsam fir, are offensive to these pests due to their great sense of smell.

Can I shoot grey squirrels in my garden?

It's not against the law for grey squirrels to be caught and killed, including live-catch cage traps or approved spring traps. If you're using a live-catch trap, check it several times a day and kill any captured grey squirrels humanely.

What birds can I shoot in my garden?

Can you shoot foxes with an air rifle?

Ultimately, an FAC air rifle at close range with a well-placed shot will humanely kill a fox. Although I know of people who regularly shoot foxes with an air rifle at very close range with sub 12ft/lb airguns, I wouldn't recommend it. (Read more on how to use an air rifle for pest control.)