Rats

[LivesNearby]

Try contacting call Nick Long, Property Initiatives Manager, at. Lewisham Council for an informal chat on 0208 314 8381 or email nick.long@lewisham.gov - I think he has responsibilty for empty properties.

[bag lady]

Thank you, thats really helpful.

[JRobinson]

buy yourself a shotgun (with a valid licence, of course, all above board and legal), and then start taking pot shots at them from the balcony when you see them. I don't think it's illegal to use a shot gun for pest control on your own property but then IANAL*, so don't take my word for that.

it should at least get some attention from somebody though, that might cause the situation to get resolved faster.

*(I Am Not A Lawyer)

[bag lady]

Although I am a pacifist myself this is a very good idea, in the spirit of some of the big game hunts in Africa i could hold an open balcony morning*

Refreshments and Teacakes Served (RATS)


*baglady accepts no liability for anything

[Ulysses]

Or, coupled with the 'Noisy Neighbours' thread it could be a Valid Reason for Really Making Incredible Noise?

Hey, I've had 10 minutes and did think about it. I know it's not very good. I couldn't think of an 'e' to make VERMIN, so I ended up with VRRMIN. I'll try to make a better one later.

[Ulysses]

OK,

Valid Excuse for Really Making Incredible Noise...VERMIN.

I'll get my coat.

[JRobinson]

you probably don't even need a shotgun - those y shaped hand held pellet throwing things, with strong elastic and a cup on ... my mind goes blank for simple words sometimes, not pea shooter, or slingshot (but that might work), fishermen use them to scatter bait, anyway, one of those each, and maybe something no edible as ammo (so not frozen peas).

[bag lady]

Catapult?

[Trawlerman]

Yes. 'catapult'...We used to make them when I was a kid. Can be quite nasty!!

[Ulysses]

Are Black Widows still illegal?

We used to call them 'gutties'.

[JRobinson]

yep - catapult was the word I was looking for (or maybe ratapult)

you can make one from a bit of stury forked wood, a penknife and some knicker elastic - all these are know illegal to carry on the street though so don't go walking down Syders High St, whittling your forked wood with your penknife, while twanging your knickers - you'll probably get arrested.

[bag lady]

Rats 'as big as cats' have been spotted during the day by near by builders. The foreman of the building company has been shocked at how many have been seen during the day and the size of them.

They haven't been bothered by the builders at all.

I've put yet another complaint in to the council having still not heard anything from the enviromental health dept.

Any suggestions ??

[catwoman]

Try your local newspaper, I think they would be quite interested in this.

They like to name and shame local councils.

[chrisj1948]

We have a rat which appears to live under our compost bin at the end of the garden. It appears fairly young, with a sleek light brown coat and is actually quite an attractive looking creature. Also obviously a vegetarian. I used to enjoy ratting with a .22 rifle when I lived on a farm many years ago, but until this one starts being a nuisance I am disinclined to dust off the air rifle and go hunting. Our cat seems too old and lazy to be bothered about it.

Regards
Chris J.