Hi, everyone-

I really need some help, and I'm hoping someone on one of these lists might have experience with this issue.

I've been feeding birds for almost a year, and now it appears the bird seed is attracting rats. I've read what I can find on how to discourage and elminate rats, and the general consensus seems to be that water, shelter and food all need to be eliminated. Unfortunately, we live next to a storm drain, which is where the rats are burrowing, and also where they are getting their water. Therefore, there's nothing I can do about the shelter and water, and the city will not do anything either.

I've been told I should stop feeding the birds, which breaks my heart, as I really love to open the windows each morning and see them. I also credit the bird watching with a partial cure in a battle with depression. I'd hate to think that I have to stop feeding them.

Has anyone ever had this problem, and if so, what did you do about the rats? We've put out bait boxes and bait in an attempt to get rid of them, but so far, that isn't working. I have seed catchers on every feeder, and I clean up daily- unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be working, either. I'm assuming I'm missing some of the seeds that are falling and the rats are coming to that seed. I've seen the rats, even in the middle of the day, as they come to the area under my feeders.

If anyone has any suggestions on what to do, or a better way to catch the falling seed, please let me know. I'm at a loss.

Please feel free to contact me privately, if you think this discussion should be taken off list.

Thanks so much-
Abby
Beaverton, OR
carpe.diem4 at verizon.net