Rat problem

[barney]

I have seen a rat in my garden and think that it- I'm hoping that there is only one! lives under some decking in the garden. I have found a few tunnels that have been dug to get under. We have allotments behind where owner obviously have compost heaps and just behind our fence chicken manure is stored in bags. The owner catches rats in traps.
In my garden I also have a compost heap although I mainly fill it with garden refuse and put waste veg etc in my heap in my allotment away from the house. I also have lots of lots of seeds growing in a greenhouse and a nursery bed that are being eaten.
We have been putting rat poison down under the decking which has all been eaten for about 2 weeks.
My question is how long does it take to kill/ get rid of a rat?
Or will I have to get the council in to get rid of it?

[WendyC]

We had rats in the garden, were actually in next doors compost, prompted by one of the boys pointing to the squirrel (!) in the garden. Found out from council man (when visits were free): Rats drink a lot - removing any water will deter them ( we have a pond so was tricky! ) You need to keep putting poison down until no more is taken. Check it every day or so and keep topping up. They take the food back to the nest to feed the young. You need to put it near their runs but as you said they are eating it you've found the right place. I now have my garden compost bins of paving slabs so they can't get in. Still rots down ok. Take down any bird food you have out - the birds will have to cope for now. Sounds like you are doing the right thing and just need to keep going. I don't think you'll get rid of rats at the allotments. Good luck