My first career was a health inspector in Sacramento County where on occasion I
dealt with complaints of rats.? The best control of rats is to deny them food,
water, and habitat.? In the case of the bird feeder, that would entail?taking
steps to?guard against spillage.??This may include not keeping the feeder
completely full?or placing something under the feeder to catch the spillage
before?it hits the ground.???Keeping the area under the feeder clear of shrubs
and other plants which the rats can use as cover should help as well.


The "sonic" devices ?have been around for years and have proven to be
ineffective.? My opinion has always been that they?are marketed as a placebo for
those who do not want to take the more difficult steps of?eliminating the
rats'?food, water, and habitat.

Bill Anderson; Edmonds, WA.