Where there are chickens, there is feed on the ground. And where there is feed on ground, there are rats and mice. Ewww.

(Actually this one is kinda cute, but I don’t get this kind.)

Because poison is so hard on the ecosystem, it is a last resort measure here, one that we have not had to reach for in a long time. Why is that?

Barn Cats

Our local humane society — and probably yours — has a great Working Cats program where they trap cats that are living in feral colonies, de-flea & de-worm them, vaccinate them, spay or neuter them, and tip their left ear (so that they don’t accidentally get gathered up in another sweep). Then the kitties are installed into barns and outbuildings where they are are assured shelter, fresh water, and regular kibble.

Here are Blueberry, Strawberry, and Raspberry’s intake pics, two years ago.

And here they are canoodling in the kitty shed during the big freeze, all plump and cozy.

Since they moved in I have only seen rats and mice that have already been dispatched. Zero nibbles in the feed bags and zero nasty poops around the mash station.

Triple Win:

• Mouse and rat control for me.

• Cozy home for the unloved kitties.

• Didn’t have to use poison.

And as a unexpected bonus, these two regularly approach my husband (the feeder) for snuggles.

Barn cats are the best solution, but if you can’t have them, what is plan B?

The Ratinator

Plan B is the Ratinator:

It works like any other humane trap, luring the critters in with food and then snapping shut the door behind them. I don’t like using it though, as after they are all trapped I have to fill the black bin with water and drop the cage in and walk away and try not to think about it. It can’t be a worse death than poison, and the mice and rats have to die, but I still have a hard time with it. Better a too soft heart than a too hard of one, I suppose.

What do you use for mouse and rat control?