What should I do about rodents and neighborhood cats?

Question

I put out rat poisoning which does a great job, but I don't want the legal hassle if one of the local toddlers get into it for some reason. you know how people can be.

Answer 1

The other answer is incorrect about cruelty to animals in regards to the cats. If a cat is roaming the neighborhood, you are not held responsible for what happens to it on your property, short of throwing a rock at it or shooting it with a BB gun. Then it is cruelty to animals. Now, the issue of toddlers, yes, a problem. Put the rat poison in the basement in high places. Rats can get to it, trust me. Toddlers can't, also use mousetraps in the back of cabinets, away from any edible foods or spices. If you have no basement, then put the traps and poison in the cubbyholes under the house. Also, in high spots in the garage.

Answer 2

It's not only toddlers...If someone's cat is poisoned because of rat poison, you could be charged with animal cruelty.

Frankly, when you say, "You know how people can be", when you're referring to people's children, you sound like a heartless monster.

Answer 3

Use traps instead (the spring kind, not the glue ones, they're cruel.)

EDIT - you can also help keep the vermin out of your house if you make sure everything is sealed well. Places like where pipes enter the house can be stuffed with steel wool to discourage rodents from getting in. Also, make sure your foodstuffs aren't accessible - use hard plastic containers. (Yes, I have a house in the country too and know the issue.)

It's ironic that you also mention cats... you think they'd take care of the rats and mice too. Are they your neighbor's cats? If so, probably will cause some conflict if you trap them.

Instead, you can prevent them from using your garden as a litterbox if you sprinkle repellent on the places where they "go". Havahart makes a pepper-based product that's safe, you can get it at any garden supply or hardware store.

Also, if you have soft dirt spots you can cover them over with rock to discourage the cats from digging in it.

Answer 4

are you serious? you put out poison and just hope that a toddler doesn't get into it. you need to atleast put up signs that say "careful: rat poison" or soemthing like that. i sure as heck would sue you if my cat or child got into your rat poison.