We declared war on this pest – and won! This time…

One of the biggest challenges we face is dealing with pest pressures. How to deal with it in a targeted manner so only eradicate the pest with no harm to other plant or animal species. How to deal with it in a manner that is safe for our environment, safe for the animals we raise – ultimately how do we keep our food systems clean and chemical free.

Some of the pests we face on our property are rats, possums, slugs, snails and the farmer’s perpetual antagonist – weeds. Rats were our biggest nemesis when it came to keeping our quails safe. For months they didn’t bother the birds but one night we lost 25 chicks to a predator that snuck through a hole the size of a $2 coin. That began a cat and mouse game that lasted months. Sebastian set up traps – rat traps, mice traps and mustelid traps – we weren’t sure but judging from the savagery of the kills, we were leaning towards stoats as public enemy #1.

We beefed up the security of our cages, snagged a few mice and rats and then it was all quiet for a while. That peace was short-lived as we woke up one day to multiple adult bird casualties and then each day thereafter. Our best defences were futile against this very astute enemy – which never touched the snares set up all around for it , which always found a way in, which never slept and which never gave up. We know, because we set up a trail camera trained at the cages. Part of Sebastian’s morning routine was to check the camera footage. We found it was a Norwegian rat, and we watched it relentlessly try to find a vulnerability in the cage, all night. Sebastian would make routine patrols through the night and the trail camera would be triggered again right after he left the scene – the rat would be at it again after he left. Even when it couldn’t find a way into the cage, it was able to nibble feet or inflict harm from the outside.

It was at this point that I understood human loathing for rats. I remembered cheering on the rats as they tied up the health inspector in the movie Ratatouille – and I repented. The rats had to go. We didn’t want to use rat poison – we’re quite philosophical about poison on the property so we researched other safe ways to kill rats. No matter the tasty treats we left in the traps, the rats didn’t fall for them. Eventually it was a baking soda hack that did them in – rice, baking soda, flour and peanut butter rolled into a tasty ball.

The rats have lost this time; it has been a quiet few months. But not to be outdone, Sebastian built a high security cordon around the quail quarters. We sleep peacefully now but it wouldn’t hurt to leave a few tasty treats around every now and then, note to self. We know how this movie ends – the enemy is vanquished, its all smiles and celebrations for the good guys. Unbeknownst to them, the predator is rustling amidst the ashes, only to come back bigger and badder in the sequel. Stay tuned for any updates, and as always feel free to leave a comment.