Since the Little Bayou House has been officially void of cats for nigh on a year, rats have decided that the out buildings are free housing. The greenhouse, shed and pump shed have literally been invaded by the varmints since Hurricane Zeta chased them out of their homes in the palmettoes. Recently, the pump shed has become somewhat less infested by the critters since a large snake has taken up dwelling there. The snake is welcome to stay. It is a gray rat snake that is just doing its job. Hopefully, next year dozens more of the snakes will be around but, in the meantime, that snake is going to get gigantic! The other two outbuildings still have the resident rats. I have emptied the greenhouse of everything and set traps. Three fat rats have met their doom so the traps will continue to be set. But until some of the other hiding places are cleared, the rats will continue their reproducing. Ugh!
I had just about made up mind to go cat-hunting in hopes of finding another rat-catcher but in came another predator. For the past few weeks, several large owls could be heard at night. This gave me an idea! All table scraps are now placed in an open place down by the wild persimmon trees. Aha! The owls are feasting upon rats as the rats feast upon scraps. The free rodent control group is definitely doing its job as there is a lot less "evidence" of rats in the shed. I am thinking Mother Nature knows when to send in the "big guys" to level the odds.
For the past few days, the owls have even started coming to the yard during the daytime hours. This gives me hope that soon the rats will be gone for good! I am tired of fighting them so let the predators have their fun. While they are about it, the predators need to take a few squirrels along with the rats!
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