Aw, rats: Rodents are making themselves comfortable in even the best communities

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ^ | Wednesday, March 26, 2003 | Linda Wilson Fuoco

[Willie Green]

After the sun goes down and household hubbub diminishes, listen for the pitter-patter of little feet. There may be scratching noises under the stove or behind the refrigerator. There may be rustling in the pantry.

RATS! They're everywhere.

Perhaps the most despised mammals on the planet, rats thrive in even the nicest South communities and invade even the cleanest houses.

[Jay D. Dyson]

There's an excellent book that covers a lot about the rat with respect to its cohabitation with humanity. The book is called "More Cunning Than Man" and I highly recommend it.

All told, I'd say that rats are going to rule this world after humanity's rule is done. One might even argue that it'll be a change for the better. After all, you don't see rats stabbing other rats in the back in order to champion their enemy's cause (as is the case with the Leftists).

-Jay

[joesnuffy]

thanks Willard!

[hot august night]

A few months ago on a bright and sunny Saturday afternoon, I was shocked to see a huge fat grey rat in my next door neighbor's backyard, rummaging for food. As they are nocturnal and it was the middle of the day, I talked to an exterminator about this, when he happened to be servicing my place for carpenter ant treatment.

He got around to asking me if they have a bird feeder. I told him they did. He then said that a bird feeder is one of the most attractive lures for rats -- and to never, ever have one near your house. Rats won't hesitate to climb up the pole to get to the food, and are notorious for it. As that food supply is always replenished, the rats know they can count on it as a reliable food source. Most bird lovers have no idea that they are ringing the dinner bell for Willard and his friends when installing a bird feeder. He tells all his customers to remove all bird feeders from their property.

[joesnuffy]

guess I will move my feeders closer to the neigbor I dont like... hehehehe
I have a family of Barred Owls that hunt over my feeders

[Fire_on_High]

They're not ALL bad... :-)

[hot august night]

He's a cutie. What's his/her name?

[Jay D. Dyson]

thanks Willard!

No problem, matey. :)

Besides, as I noted on an old web page of mine, I like rats better than most of the bastards I know anyway... ;)

And yes, I do have pet rats. And no, none of them are named "Ben." Heh.

-Jay

[Fire_on_High]

Thanks :-) Her name is Bear.

[Samwise]

When I read the headline, I thought Hillary had bought another house.

[Jay D. Dyson]

Bear, meet two of my boys...

(Curiously enough, one of the boy ratties is named 'Bear,' too.) :) -Jay

[nightdriver]

Rats love lime Kool-Aid powder. Feed 'em a mix of half-and-half that and plaster of paris. A non-toxic way to give 'em a most bodacious case of constipation. Works every time.

[hot august night]

Oddly, Bandit and Buster remind me of my babies, Alvin and Rikki...my two precious sable ferrets (may they rest in peace). Maybe it's the eyes or facial expressions...anyway, yours sure look like they are capable of mischief!

[stylin19a]

I have yet to see any rats around a Vietnamese restaurant

[Fire_on_High]

Quite handsome fellows! The one on the left has such a cutely smug expression.

[TADSLOS]

For every rat you see, there are six more not too far away

Chappequa knows this all too well.