Sometimes used as a mild expletive, otherwise known as rodents - such as them using our back garden as a route to dinner.

Had them around for a long time in our semi rural area, once a nest next door now gone from it'soriginal spot but maybe they have moved up market to a fancier plot also next door (she routinely feeds pigeons and once a family of foxes who also have moved on) now passing through on the way to either a chicken cage or the underneath of hamsters cage.

We have two industrial traps given to us by a pal who is a rodent killer opertive working in grain stores etc and they caught a few but now the same bait I load them with - Peanut Butter...Urgh! disappears without the traps catching anything staying charged but not active. Must be creepy crawlies.

Use gloves to set your trap, they can smell you on the trap and they will give it a wide berth....

Rats have recently been a problem in our area as well. One morning I went into the back garden to have my morning cuppa and one was having a little walk around. I picked up a house brick and lobbed it at the rat, I have to admit they terrify me. I ran in with horrendous images in my mind of what I had just done and was nearly collapsing at the thought. I got myself together and decided to go out and clear up what was left of it. It was just stood there, then it shook itself and carried on its morning stroll. Rats, mice and cockroaches bring back some unpleasant childhood memories and they seem to be as much a problem these days as back then.

I won't lecture but I'm guessing you all know about Weils disease or Leptospirosis? If not be very careful if handling dead rats or even items they have been in contact with

Wow! You hit it too Ellen. They don't frighten me but worry Carole.

Yes thanks Gray

Need the killer recipe Randa

death by spotted dick pudding eh

I'm not coming for dinner if that pud is on the menu