Rats

[Tommy Kircher]

Hello,

I used to be a fairly active online chatter, but this site is throwing me on submitting a question. And yes I am a member.

Tomatoes.

In years past I’ve had Mocking Birds, Rabbits and Rats nail my Tomatoes as they turn red.

This year it seems to be Rats are the major problem….teeth marks etc.

I’ve set out non secondary poison, which has worked well in dealing with problems in the past, but they seem to prefer the Tomatoes.

Any suggestions on what I might spray, apply etc to protect my tomatoes? The one plant that I grew in my greenhouse escaped the rats, but did not produce well. (All planted at same time).

Cordially,
Tom Kircher
Saginaw, Tx.

[sandih]

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/view_question.php?id=31

[Tricky Grama]

This year I grew the bestest of all tomato plants only to have a rat/rats devour all 'maters & even the stalks of the plant!! I've sprayed w/garlic pepper tea but I bet they think I'm seasoning it for them.
Someone told me to set out a saucer of coke. We'll see if that helps or if they think they're getting drinks w/lunch. :(

Patty

[Faction]

Like the link said cats is the best alternative but if you dont like them. My Uncle uses a habanero/cheyanne spray that deters annything from touching any of his veggie plants. Ive heard that fox urine can also deter such pests but i have never had any experience first hand. I do use cheyanne on my flower beds to keep the dogs out of them and it works very well. First whiff they get there gone.

[sandih]

Which is what the link I posted says also.