Rats here and there

[Bonnieboo]

I have a treadle feeder but I still get rats. There is no other food source so I don't get why they keep coming back! I Have a bucket with a small amount of chook pellets with two bricks (either side of the bucket so they can climb in but not out) which has caught me many mice in the past but no success with the goddam rats. I also have two traps with peanut butter (break their necks) and a battery operated electric shock trap that I have had great success with in the past but just can't catch this particular rat. It must be enormous, it's droppings are almost twice the normal rat size and I just can't get rid of it. I have been trying for about two months and just can't believe I can't catch it with four traps!!!
My only option, unless anyone can advise me, is to get an exterminator for one rat!

 

[Al Gerhart]

I have a treadle feeder but I still get rats. There is no other food source so I don't get why they keep coming back! I Have a bucket with a small amount of chook pellets with two bricks (either side of the bucket so they can climb in but not out) which has caught me many mice in the past but no success with the goddam rats. I also have two traps with peanut butter (break their necks) and a battery operated electric shock trap that I have had great success with in the past but just can't catch this particular rat. It must be enormous, it's droppings are almost twice the normal rat size and I just can't get rid of it. I have been trying for about two months and just can't believe I can't catch it with four traps!!!
My only option, unless anyone can advise me, is to get an exterminator for one rat!

So you are from down under, treadle feeders can't work upside down silly. Jokes aside, which kind of treadle feeder is it? I know you have a couple of inward swinging door type available there in AU. Most likely a Grandpa Xi style feeder maybe? Post some pictures of the mechanism, might be able to offer a modification so the large rat can't use the feeder.

 

[Bonnieboo]

Ho, ho, ho amazing, but they must work upside down!!!
I can send a photo but it's basically step on the step and the lid opens outwards and food can be accessed (even the blasted ducks from the nearby lake have figured it out). I keep one of the four rat traps near the feeder but to no avail. Obviously, chicken pellets trump peanut butter!!!! There are never any droppings on the floor near the feeder only upstairs where the girls are. Not sure what to do next.

 

[Al Gerhart]

Send a photo of the feeder showing all of it and one photo from each side showing a close up of the opening/closing mechanism. Maybe we can figure out how to add some springs to provide enough downward tension on the lid/door to keep the rats out.

No joy on the ducks, they are supposed to be able to use a treadle feeder. Longer reach and about the same weight or more, they can use the feeder.

Rats are smart enough to recognize traps. Best bet is to keep changing out the type of trap and you might get one before they figure things out. How about an enclosed box with sticky traps inside and some smelly bait food?