UK National Carnivore Advisory (UKNCA)

 Foxes are NOT "vermin" and the Department of the Environment Faming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has never classified them as such and many local authorities are against "fox control"

Badgers are not disease carrying "vermin" and are protected by law. So called "Cull zones" are unscientific at best and do nothing.

Wildcats (Felis silvestris) are neither "nuisances" nor "vermin" and the same applies to feral cats. There is exaggeration in the number of wildlife feral cats are claimed to kill "by the millions" each year.

If any of these animals are unwanted on your property for whatever reason there are organisations that can humanely remove them to other areas. It ios important to remember that rabbits, rats and mice are natural foods for these animals and are excellent pest controllers that do notrequire dangerous poisons that kill other wildlife and pets to do the job.

If you have any queries please get in touch. The Advisory does not trap or provide a rescue service. The Face Book page will contain links to rescue and other bodies.

Social Media Fox Feeders and Fox Stewards

 These are thoughts in response to a question. I am quite clear in my view that fox feeding just for social media (SM feeders) attention is wrong and does not respect the fox as a species. Fox Stewards are keeping records of generations of foxes, comings and goings as well as treating mange and mild injuries and provide research with a lot of information.

Read on....

I get asked what I think about fox feeders. It's a subject that can create a lot of controversy -ie; get you called "fox hating scum" or other such things.

Back in the 1970s if there were fox feeders then no one knew about it. I know that in bristol there were some fox watchers who also treated foxes for mange, etc but when they died so did the history of the foxes they watched over.

I see 10-20 doughnuts being put out in one night for one or two foxes. In another photo someone showed sausages, friend bacon, eggs, chips and I have even read posts fgrom people who put out large joints of meat for a fox. A fox only requires a cwertain amount to keep it going for 24 hours and the number of over sized foxes I've seen -some described as looking "under fed" is worrying. Even foods foxes should not have including pork are put out for them.

It is funny to read feeders write "I put out chicken as its their natural food" -which it is not. Voles, rats, mice, insects, road-kill and probably above all else, rabbits are the favoured foods. "Natural food" reinforces the old fox hunters stereotype of foxes (though they admitted most fowl were "victims of humans".

Over-feeding can create health problems and should be supplimental not THE food source for foxes.

We now have feeders who are using social media to show how "their" foxes are enticed into kitchens and then living rooms by food. That is going to end very badly for the foxes. However, mention this on fox groups and the amount of abuse (on and off group) is ridiculous -one person pointed out that pork was not good for foxes so one member went into full attack mode saying that she fed her dog a concentrated dog food that had pork in so was she being accused of cruelty to her dog? The person who mentioned it was told to mind their own business (the comment was actually advice and not aimed at anyone).

In fact, the groups do not seem to have any real interest in the foxes beyond "fancy pet" status or other strange beliefs. At least two people have asked how you make a fox a pet (getting it indoors so it can lead a quiet and stress free life!).

Those are the people who then panic as they are moving home or travelling abroad for a few months and are worried how their furry babbies will survive? Neighbours apparently being unwilling to take on the job. A fox is for life not just for Face Book.

We then have the more sensible end of the spectrum. Rehabbers por people who have kept an eye on local foxes for at least 20 years -some chart the comings and goings and can trace the current foxes back to their great granfathers/mothers. They sauppliment food and treat conditions such as mange but let the foxes be what they are supposed to be. I call these Fox Stewards because what they do is not driven by social media but for a love of the fox.

It is interesting to be told how such-and-such fox is the son of a specific vixen and dog fox and how the vixen is the daughter of so-and-so -AND have photographs of the foxes in question. Newcomers are noted and these might be rescue releases (Bristol City Council has npo "fox control" as it points out that you get rid of one fox another moves in).

We can therefore see how local (we have no idea to the original foxes origins) foxes have turned out over two decades and in some cases foxes photographed in certain areas appear to be related to those studied long term.

One thing is certain is that far more foxes survive today because feeders of both types treat mange and any minor injuries -the experienced stewards have seen mange and injuries first hand and mange is the one thing no one wants to start killing foxes. Orphaned cubs are rescued and in the old days there were no rescues and these were often hand reared by the "Hidden Stewards" who we know little to nothing about. We have seen some unique looking foxes who survived BECAUSE a feeder has supplimented its food or given it medication. EVERY animal, like every person, deserves a chance to live.

Who is criticising and pointing fingers at the badger watchers who are doing similar or the stewards who look after local deer herds or suppliment the food of wild ponies.

It ought to be noted that in most of the old "copy what the last person wrote" books on foxes we are told badgers and foxes must cross paths but we have no idea what happens, We are also told foxes decimate hedgehog populations. Thanks to fox feeders and stewards we know what happens and we also know that foxes are not decimating hedgehog populations -that is using the fox as a scapegoat for what humans have done.

A balance needs to be struck with the social media feeders. I doubt it can be because they know nothing about foxes, argue when a common sense point is made or advice given and have not even researched what a fox can eat. Fruit and vegetables are often excluded from food given.

A fox turning its nose up at a free meal is "Not ill" or "He doesn't like that -I'll need to get him something he likes" -it just means foxy is too well fed and there are probably other feeders around (the suggestion that someone is daring to feed 'their' fox can get a bad reaction!).

A feeder needs to look at the overall health of the fox and then at the food needed; Fox Stewards tend to know the number of foxes or even foxes and badgers that come to their garden. Foxes should not be over fed and definitely not enticed into homes and if foxes can be kept as non-handled by humans the better for its future.

The whole subject is one that would need a full debate but for now there is little than can be done over social media feeders (some are already stamping their feet because 'their' fox has had cubs and not brought them to see their feeder!). It is down to the common sense of the person involved and that is where it has to be left because feeding is a two edged sword but if social media feeders were actually to follow the lead of the Fox Stewards we might be in a better situation.

British Fox Study Appeal -Taxidermy Specimens

Above: French export owned by Onyx Stewart.

The British Fox Study was set up in 1976 by noted British naturalist Terry Hooper-Scharf. The study set out to look at the natural history of foxes in the UK and has now moved on to looking at specific traits in current fox populations such as coat colouration and physical differences in appearances.

To carry out this work it has become necessary to try to find out whether there are any Old fox types still in existence –even if this is DNA diluted through breeding with introduced foxes..  For that reason we need to find taxidermy specimens of foxes from as far back as possible but pre 1900.

The foxes were known by three main names: the Hill/Greyhound fox, known to inhabit hills and higher ground. There were then the Common or Cur foxes and the tallest of the foxes was the Mastiff fox.

Many museums had their natural history sections thrown out during the Second World War and so there is no alternative but to ask anyone who may have specimens identified by these names or just specimens date pre-1900 whether it is a family heirloom, old style hunting trophy or whatever. If you have such a specimen then you can help by taking photographs of it side on (full body), the head (from the front and side) and, importantly photos of the tail.

If the study can obtain such images then it will help and may lead to further more scientific testing.  If you can help then please email Terry Hooper-Scharf at:

blacktowercg@hotmail.com.

You will never look at the British fox in the same way again.

 

I have found that you can make a lot of discoveries about foxes and when I published The Red Paper in 2011 I thought that I had no more to learn.

Yes, I can be that stupid.

Once you get hooked by a specific animal -in this case the fox- your eyes and ears pick up on a lot of things that might ordinarily go unnoticed. By 2015 I had learnt a lot more and as there were no publishers interested in what was described as an "explosive book on British wildlife" back in 2010/2011 well, the number didn't increase after that.

In the years from 2011 onward I barely go a year without making one or two discoveries and now possessing a library of digital and hard copy books from the "Golden Age of Fox Hunting" (1800-1900) I have amassed far more information and increasing amounts of evidence that seep not just into UK foxes (ie. Old Fox types) but also into exotics of the canid and felid types. And by evidence I mean physical evidence checked by experts in their field.

I was somewhat taken aback by a German naturalist who said: "What do you mean you have produced this work with no official funding?  Producing the Red Paper in Europe would have soaked up many thousands of Euros in grants."  I had to point out that the UK tends not to support wildlife research unless their is something in it -great publicity in returning the beaver, etc..  I did once and only once try to work out what I had paid "out of pocket" on just the Fox Study (ignoring the Felid Study and EAR) since 1976. I never completed the actual estimate because just getting up to the 1990s  it amounted to thousands.

With financial assistance, of course, the work would move much faster. But this is the UK and publishers or funding are now non existent when it comes to that (compared to even the 1980s when wildlife books were published in huge numbers)

The discoveries willbe revealed but things move slowly. One thing guaranteed; you will never look at the British fox in the same way again.

"fox lovers" need to hang their heads in shame.

 

This will be my last post on this subject and here are my reasons why.

That there is wide spread infiltration of fox groups on Face Book is well known it seems to everyone but the genuine people on those groups.  Infiltration also occurs at the local level -local wildlife groups.

On one a member posted a photo of a fox with mange and asked whether there was anything she could do to help it?

"Shoot it" was the only response that even moderators did not respond to. I di and my polite response was deleted ?)

On another group I gave information of mange treatments and immediately receive an "angry face" from one member who I asked why that response? Took him two weeks but he stated that homeopathic medication was "just watered down water". I gave him facts and personal experience of foxes with mange covering 40 years. He came back with a link to an anti-homeopathic meds site that did not even seem to known that a lot of todays chemically manufactured medicines originated with homeopathy or "natural medicines" -whichever you prefer. So I explained and gave links.

No response.

I am on another group where someone asked about mange treatment and...up pops the same man. It appears his sole contribution to wuildlife groups is to attack any mention of homeopathy.

Another kept popping up (and he had an hanger on) who told people NOT to use homeopathy but to take the fox to a vet or a wildlife rescue centre. Sure, just grab a fox during lockdown and take it to a vet, most of whom are not fox friendly, and pay a huge bill that they cannot afford. RSPCA will catch and put down a manged fox as they comply with legislation to put down some sick and injured wildlife -remember that when you think of donating to them. Wildlife centres are crammed full of sick and injured foxes as well as orphaned fox cubs. Buy online meds and administer with no idea what you are doing?

Here is the funny part; matey and his hanger on warned of the dangers of overdosing foxes with the "heavily watered down water" solution.  The science and sense behind that does not exist.  This person then asks to talk to me by messenger on my fox work. I told him to buy The Red Paper and nothing after that....until someone mentioned homeopathic mange treatment again and then came the same attack.

So, what they were all suggesting was letting the fox die from organ failure once the mange took hold -the only option they gave. Oh, and to "shoot it" of course.

Why are these people on fox groups if their main contribution seems to be tpo cause trouble or attack members offering advice?

At the beginning of this year I heard the first reports of mange in Bristol and was able to track it in several areas. This was a great opportunity to see what we could learn about mange outbreaks (in the 1990s it left Bristol with only 6% of its fox population) and Bristol has the largest urban fox population outside of London. All was going well until: "What evidence do you have that there is mange in BS3?" So I explained and pointed out two members had reported foxes with mange and I included a photo of a local fox with mange. Apparently, despite two fox rescue centres and several long term fox watchers identifying it clearly as a manged fox this was not good enough. "Looks like moulting" said a friend of the main pain in the arse. Someone suggested the fox was pulling out its fgur to line a den. It went on.

The same people kept popping up with what seemed to be a main aim of destroying any study of mange. Other members took their cues from group admins who...did and said nothing (except in one case where my response was a "bit harsh" and got deleted.).

Therefore a study that might have helped put a future experiment to treat mange with the help of feeders and watchers into action (I believe that put into action within 5 years we might see mange cases in the city drop to 5% which would have been a first) was scuppered. 

This type of persistent saboutaging seems to go unchallenged by admins on groups and the moderators.  Why?

The Fox Study was explained to groups at the beginning of the year and linbks to the work also given out. This is ongoing work since 1976 but, again, the biggest stumbling block comes from so called "fox lovers".

I make sure I tell people to NOT give exact locations and they know why. The information I have requested is simple:

1. A head and body length photo of the fox -so that fur colouration and physical features can be checked.

2. How long have foxes visited them and have they all been of the same appearance?

3. For mapping a rough location -"Derby", "Manchester" etc are good enough for the study and do not give away an exact location.

How is this a study that foxers should NOT cooperate with? Should ignore my request and block me? Why are people instructed NOT to message me privately ?  WHY are members of these groups privately messaging others to ignore and not cooperate with me? 

At the moment I am still being subjected to similar and am not allowed to have my response (polite) published yet everyone else can comment.

Rather like badger baiters supply, ahem, 'roadkill' badgers to taxidermy groups on Face Book -"the trick is you put the badger on the roadside and take a photo of yourself with it to 'prove' a car killed it" and when I challenged one such member after he said that every week he passed at least six 'roadkill' badgers on a small stretch of road alarm bells rang. "Every week?" got the response "Yeah" So I asked what stretch of road it was as I would let the local badger watch as well as wildlife crimes officer know....I was no longer a member.

Look on Ebay at the number of badger and fox skulls for sale -"100 in stock" or "60 in stock -popular" and this is from multiple sellers (probably some involved in snaring foxes for fur). Add to that the many thousands -cubs and adults- killed on roads every year and many hundreds dying from mangenot to mention foxes wantonly killed by a deranged few and these "fox lovers" do not think foxes need protection? "There are enough out there" -seriously? 

The Fox Study will continue due less public than it has. Many discoveries have been made through research and all I can say is that group moderators as well as so called "fox lovers" need to hang their heads in shame.

So WHY Would "Fox Lovers" NOT Want A Study of Foxes With The Aim To Protect Them?

 The fox work has, for several months, put a lot of stress and pressure on me -added to by people in the fox 'community'. I cannot give out details of persons or private conversations (haven't done so in over 40 years and don't intend to start breaking rules now, however, the persons named below have publicly commented on FB and those comments can be found via a quick search) but I had two people from fox groups tell me they had received messages from other people to have nothing to do with me or my "suspect" study.

I dismissed this as there was no real evidence for it until I went on to Everything Fox today:

Craig Anthony

"Dont take him on! This group is just about spreading the joy of people with the foxes they have visit them! Nothing more, nothing less. If the guy wants to get some protection for them then that can be done away from this group and by other means"

and

Linda Darnell

"Why do people have to pm you? I wouldn't be comfortable pm'ing you. This group provides ample photos and stories without your needing members to pm you. FB in general is a shady place, in case you haven't noticed. I'm actually surprised you got 4 people to PM you"

and

Sarah Peters

"Linda Darnell I wouldn’t be telling anyone the location of my foxes. Not really sure how and why he wants to get them protection. Seems odd to me"

I think just those three responses says it all. But then:

James Burden

"Hardly anyone will pm you with information. .

If you want to do a survey, set up a website where data can be entered, and another Facebook page / group dedicated to the survey.

However even if you do this the data would be so patchy as to be useless.

As far as i know the fix population estimates are quite accurate and current and indicate no threat to the species requiring protection."

Now whether these are anti fox people who are in fox groups trying to stop a study or not I have no idea but it is very suspect to me that people who ;loves foxes do not think they need protection or help in any way.

Academics and other bodies are awkward enough as are some naturalists whom I suspect want fox hunting to continue for their own reasons. However, that alleged fox lovers are alsao blocking attempts to study foxes is just incredible.

I am the one gets the threats and I am the one losing money by the bucket load by doing this.

I suspect most fox groups on Face Book are infiltrated by pro hunt people. How do you tell from from other members....check their lack of profiles?

I did respond politely to all of this but, for some reason I have to have m,y posts moderated which means that it cou;ld take a day for it to be approved. Yet, in the meantime the attacks on my work are still posted straight to group. Perhaps I should not have turned down the offer to be an Admin?

I would not normally be too concerned but it seems that certain people are spreading "the word" and I will not sit back and accept this.

Snares and leg traps are still being used and are barbaric and result in the deaths and injuries to all types of wildlife as well as pets. Badgers and hedgehogs are protected species and they die, like foxes, slowly. These devices are illegal on public ground yet persons are still plaing them there. Morons with pellets guns are shooting birds and at foxes and badgers'

Sadly, we cannot ask the fox pictured below if it needs protection as it died slowlyin a snare.

Fox v Cat. Or the reality: the Fox Never Wins!

 

I no longer comment on posts that claim "Foxes killed my cat and I ran out in time to see them carry it off" or "I watched as two foxes tore my cat apart" and "I have two foxes ripping my cat to pieces on cctv" for a simple reason.

They are lies.

"As I've studied foxes since 1976 could I get a copy of the cctv footage to look at wht happened?"

No response.

Similar claim on another group and the person changed their story elsewhere to their cat was killed by a car (no info on whether two foxes were driving the car)

"I watched two foxes kill and tear my cat apart"

Challenged...no comment and the person has lefyt the group.

On another a woman claims two foxes killed her cat and she ran outside to see them carry it off but she "still loves her foxies".

If someone puts a sack of bull-shit under my nose I explain that it smells.

Always "two foxes". Because one fox is no challenge for a cat and if you claim two its the "they hunt in packs" fear spreader. What I find very telling is that cctv footage to prove the claim is never presented. No images of the dead cats is presented. In one case the killing was so quick that the two foxes were away with the dead cat by the time the person involved got outside. Foxes are not wolf size and if they xcarry off prey they can only go as fast as the weight they carry will allow them to.

Second point is this; these people ALL just stood there and watched as their cat was attacked by two foxes and killed or ripped apart. Some animal attacked any domestic animal my first reaction is to intervene not stand by and enjoy the scene as something is injured or killed.

From my notes I note that on no less than five occasions now I have rescued an adult dog fox cornered by a cat (a different cat and fox each time ) and being attacked. I have seen a vixen and dog fox lunged at and kept away from a dish of food...by a hedgehog. A big hedgehog but still a hedgehog and that is not unusual. a hedgehog also tried to attack the leg of my old cross collie -greyhound, Sam.

I have footage of a kitten -about 10 months old- having a go at a fox as it was eating.

In a study it was shown that fox was at the very bottom of a list of threats to domestic cats and even then it was included "in case". A fox will take a road-kill cat. Hawks, ravens, crows, magpies and even "nature's dustman" the hedgehog will eat road-kill.

What we are seeing, and others have noticed, are people who are anti fox or pro hunt, seed themselves in wildlife groups and even fox groups on Face Book and they post nothing until "My cat was killed by foxes" and that tends to be it. Proof? None. Photo of the cat killed? None. In some cases I suspect it is the same person using different profiles but it wreaks of desperation. Ignore them and delete or ask for evidence.

The -THE- biggest argument against these fake claims are on fox groups in their hundreds. Photos of foxes and cats, domestic dogs eating together, sitting by each other or even playing. NOT the image that the pro hunt lobbly want anyone to see. And no one does unless they are on a fox group. This does not help the cause of the fox.

If there were a public site on which these photos and videos clips were posted it would challenge all the false claims. No locations have to be given BECAUSE the important thing is the image and I think it says a lot when someone watching a cat and fox play comments: "Playing with its dinner" because that is utter DESPERATION and a low IQ at work.

Until fox feeders/watchers decide to openly challenge the misconceptions with evidence they have then this will continue.

Unfortunately I cannot post any pof the photos of cats and foxes together because the posters won't give permission so.....

The Next fox Book

 The follow on from The Red Paper: Canids is in the planning stage and to date a great deal more has been discovered about British NewFoxes as well as Old Fox types. 

Things are moving slow as funding is non existent so things could take a year or so.

Fox Study Update and Help Needed

 

Photo: Peter Hunter

This was posted to the Bristol Naturalist Society, Bristol and Surrounding Area Wildlife and Bristol Nature Network. However, it applies to any and all people -fox watchers, feeders, etc- who have photographs of foxes from around the UK.

If you can help this project please just state town/city -NO EXACT LOCATIONS. If you have a good side on photo as well as head on showing the chest area taken during daylight that would work.

You can PM your photos to me and they will be greatfully received.

*********************************************

Hello All!

The current research of the Fox Study (1976) into fox fur morphs has been turning up a lot of surprises nationally.

However, Bristol has been an eye opener and I was born here and fox watched since the 1970s! Todate I have receuived photographs from BS2, BS3, BS4, BS 5, BS6, BS7, BS9, BS 11, BS14 and BS16. The analysis of these is showing a major change in fox types - lots of grey and white haired foxes but strong evidence of melanism being present.

As a naturalist/mammalogist this is very interesting and when taken in context with photographs from Scotland down to the SE and SW it is tending to re-write the natural history of foxes.

That said I need far more evidence. Photos have come from only 10 of 37 BS areas. There are variations in some areas so I still need more photos from the areas listed as that helps narrow things down.

However, if any member lives in any of the BS areas PLEASE if you have any clear images of foxes that show their colour (preferably side on) submit them to me by PM. I do not need an exact address just the BS area and if the fox is a long term visitor (some foxes travel a long way and so may be offspring of similar looking foxes in other areas).

All cooperation is most welcome,

Thank You

The Story of Chicago, Rat Problems and Feral Cats -Natures Solution in Use

 

A cat looks out of its pen at the Humane Rescue Alliance shelter on 19 June, 2019 in Washington, DC

(AFP via Getty Images)

A charity in Chicago has released hundreds of feral cats into neighbourhoods around the city in an attempt to conquer the area’s historic rat problems.

The Tree House Humane’s society’s “Cats at Work” programme has released more than 1,000 furry felines into residential or commercial settings to hunt the pesky rodents, WGN9 first reported.

Working cats hunt pests for the small fee of food, water, shelter, and wellness from their sponsors and often become “beloved members of the family,” the humane society says.

The organisation explains the hunters are feral cats who can’t live in a home or shelter environment. “By placing them in Cats at Work colonies, we’re able to make sure they’re living their best lives.”

The project is a “green” humane solution that removes sterilized and vaccinated feral cats from hostile environments and avoids the use of rat poison and dangerous traps.

According to Tree House, such chemical and mechanical methods are “ineffective short-term solutions” that can be “dangerous to children, pets and the environment.”

“We’ve had a lot of our clients tell us that before they had cats, they would step outside their house and rats would actually run across their feet,” Sarah Liss of Tree House Humane Society told WGN.

The cats’ mere presence in the neighbourhood alone repels the rodents, Ms Liss explained, spurring them to leave the predators’ territory.

“They are actually deterring them with their pheromones,” she told the broadcaster. “That’s enough to keep the rats away.”

While the cats will hunt and catch rodents on occasion, they won’t usually eat them as long as they are fed in line with the programme’s guidelines.

Chicago has long been infamous for its hard to tackle rat infestations, with the city having been named the “rattiest city” for six years in a row.

In 1977, a $1 bounty was offered for rats in the city as part of a “war on rats” after a borough official estimated that the rat population in one constituency outnumbered its 85,000 human population,The New York Times reported.

Now, residents are seeing a further spike in suburban rat populations as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Forced closures of restaurants in urban areas cut off rodents’ food supplies and forced them to search further afield for sustenance, with many even resorting to cannibalism.

Rats and How to get Rid of them (Cats, Jack Russell terriers and Foxes fit in here)

 This matter concerns domestic pets, foxes and other wild life so let's talk about Rats and how to get rid of them.

 I have seen on Face Book today someone stating they have rats. Theresponsewas to put a plate of baked beans outside with poison in them. The other suggestion was to put coca cola out as "rats can't burp so they explode" -now that is village idiot level advice.

If you have rats in the house you can drive them off as there are sonic devices you can plug in and you cannot hear the sound but the rats and mice can and it drives them mental and they leave. I've used these for two years now because of mice and altghough you might hear them rarely they are soon gone.  You can buy plug in ones or ones that operate by battery such as this one...

I have lived in an area with rats and I have had them in the spaces between walls so totalling up all those years comes to 30+? The sonic devices sorted out the problem.

Better Homes offers this advice:

https://www.bhg.com.au/how-to-get-rid-of-rats-in-your-garden

It may be tempting to use traps or poison, but they can pose a risk for dogs, children and native wildlife. It's better to employ methods that deter rats and offer a permanent solution.

Here are six ways to rid your garden of pesky rats for good.

1. Peppermint oil

Rats hate the smell of peppermint oil, so it’s an effective way to drive them away. Moisten some cotton balls with 100 per cent pure peppermint oil and place them in various spots around the garden, including the garage and shed. Reapply the oil a couple of times a week. 

2. Catnip

Get some catnip from a garden centre and plant it in several spots around the garden. Be strategic with your planting and look for signs of rat activity like nests and pellet droppings.

Getty

3. Remove food and water sources

Rats will seek out any sources of food or water in your garden. Make sure your taps aren’t dripping and don’t use a bird bath. Remove bowls of pet food or water at night. If you like to compost, keep it secure and bury any organic material deep in the bin. Make sure lids are tightly closed on bins and don’t leave garbage bags outside for long periods.

4. Keep your garden clean

You can deter rats by keeping your garden clean and tidy. Remove piles of wood and garden clippings; pick up any fallen fruit, berries or vegetables, and cut back overgrown areas.

Getty

5. Soil netting

If you want to protect a new garden from rats, lay a piece of netting just under the soil. This will prevent rats from burrowing and eating roots and bulbs. Determined rats may chew through the netting, so keep an eye out for it. 

6. Sealing gaps

Rats will try to enter your home through any gaps or cracks in external walls. Use an appropriate sealant to block any nooks and crannies. 

Now you may laugh at the Peppermint poil suggestion -I did- but it works. During fine weather in 2020 we had a female rat keep coming under the fence from neighbours and we had two oils to hand (or my sister did); peppermint and citronella.  I thought I'd try the citronella first so covered some cotton wool in it and put it at each of the entry points the rat used. It appeared. Sniffed. Went away. That was it.  A week later the best rat deterrent/killer you can have (the cat next door) took care of one there. Foxes will also take rats as part of their natural diet.

My neighbour asked for advice one day. The builders next door to her aged aunt had dug up drains and were making a lot of noise. While upstairs putting things away she noticed rats had chewed a big hole in a bedroom floor (the age aunt slept downstairs) and found traces of rat in the kitchen.  I gave her a bottle of citronella and she put drops down the holes she had found and also wiped over areas of the kitchen with it. A week later I was told that there were no fresh rat signs and a month after that still no sign. I wish I had known this worked years ago!

Putting commercially purchased rat and mice poison from stores should be illegal and this is because, firstly, the rat poisons used are inhumane despite what pest controllers might tell you. However, the biggest problem is that mis-use by people of these poisons kill many species each year.

Baked beans, bread or other food will be eaten by hedgehogs which are a critically endangered species and it will kill them in a very nasty way. Foxes will take the free meal. Cats will lick at the tomato sauce. Next door's dog gets out -free food! You explain in court why you put poison out where animals could get it and pay the costs financially. Birds will also peck at such food and I have known a number of magpies and crows killed because they ate rat poison. 

Go the natural route and if you are not keen on cats there is one guaranteed killer of rats.  A Jack Russel terrier. Any rat or mouse shows its head then the dog will kill it. 

Oh and That's Farming offered further advice: https://thatsfarming.com/farming-news/farm-hacks-deter-rats/

Farm Hacks – How to deter Rats using home remedies

Many farmers have reported an increase in rat sightings around their farmyards in recent weeks, due in part to feed supplies been kept there.

Using rodenticides on a farm, especially where there are smaller and pet animals, can prove extremely dangerous. This is why many farmers are now seeking other alternative methods of ridding rodents from their property. Check out the number of different home remedy rat deterrents below!

1 – Dried Urea – Did you know that Cow dung is a natural rat repellent? When ingested by the rats, they become extremely ill and begin to vomit, eventually resulting in death. To keep rats away, simply place an old cow ‘pat’ near where some recent rat droppings have been discovered.

2 – Mothballs – Mothballs are actually useful in keeping both rats and mice away. They are poisonous not only to the rodent but also humans, therefore be careful when using Mothballs. Again when using this method, simply place moth balls near any area where rats may be located on your farm.

3- Peppermint – Seeing as rats have a highly sensitive sense of smell, using fragrant plants, herbs and oils are a good way of keeping them away. One such smell which they despise is peppermint. Like the previous methods, Peppermint oil (On cotton balls) or tablets should be placed near where rats have previously been seen or where you know they reside.

This should push them out and keep them away as peppermint will instantly affect the lungs of the rat, killing them in the process. Minty toothpaste is also another option, while others have used other fragrant oils such as caster oil, clove oil and other fragrant products such as toilet cakes. Another option is pepper from the kitchen which produces a pungent aroma which rats detest and once they inhale it into their lungs they die.

4 – Bay Leaves – Rats are attracted to the sweet smell of bay leaves, which is what makes them the perfect trap as Bay leaves are highly toxic to rats. Once ingested they will die. Like all of the other methods, placing bay leaves in areas where rats frequent will help keep them away and at “bay”.

5 – Vegetables – Certain vegetables can also be used effectively to keep rats away. Onions are one such vegetable which have a pungent smell and one which rats and mice hate a lot. They will instantly run away from the smell, making it an effective method.

Peppers are another vegetable which can prove effective as it contains Capsaicin, which is the compound that gives peppers their heat. This heat is also a natural rat deterrent.

6 – Ammonia cleaning products – Sticking with the sense of smell theme, ammonia cleaning agents make for excellent rat repellents. To use, mix 2 cups of ammonia with 200mls of water and 2-3 spoons of detergent and place in a bowl near locations where rats are commonly found.

Ammonia is a super cleaning agent, but it acts as an excellent repelling agent to the rodents.

7 – Owls Feathers – A natural predator of rodents, using owl feathers which have been placed all over your farm will ensure rats and mice do not want to stay there long. Using human hair is also another useful option, as rats and mice tend to stay away from predators.

Other Options – There are many other options available, such as catch and release traps, electric shock traps and much more.

Some farmers also use sound as an effective repellent. Sharp sounds are hated by rats and rodents, causing death on most occasions. Another two options one could use is Baby powder and baking soda. These can both be sprinkled in areas where rats reside, though are not as effective.

One final method used by some is Plaster of Paris. When you mix 100gms of plaster of Paris with 100gms of cornmeal, you created a homemade rodenticide.
There you have it, there are plenty of options available to farmers to help keep rats and mice at bay. No need to jump for the rat traps quite just yet.

DO NOT BE A POISONING IDIOT!