Thread: Rats infestation in huts

Been thinking about exploring some back country huts. But previous experience with rats is putting me off the idea.
Haven't been to any larger serviced huts, which probably gets treated regularly. The remote huts seem to be at higher risk.
Had a few instances where the hut was infested and I didn't bring a tent. Worried that I might wake up with a nose or ear missing, I walked out in the dark. Not a pleasant experience.

Any suggestions? Would something like this work?
https://www.pestrol.co.nz/buy-online...ygx5vpnqIwjB7T
Bit lighter than carrying a tent lol.

They are complete bollox. Had a commercial sized one and just drove the people crazy with its whine and the birds and rats and mice took no notice.

Originally Posted by XR500

They are complete bollox. Had a commercial sized one and just drove the people crazy with its whine and the birds and rats and mice took no notice.

take in 3-4 rat traps with peanut butter light easy to carry - block bigger holes if you can - quite often around the fire place - dont leave food out - hang it up if there is rat sign - and yes those sonic rat scares are bollocks

Yes, carry a couple of Victor rat/mice traps in your pack. Like said - peanut butter is the go. Generally mice and rats do not cohabit the same area - rats will eat mice. Good luck on your travels.

Some good advice there.
And you can do your bit for conservation by helping keep our backcountry pristine and carry in a bucket of Rat Bait.
But don't just spread it around or toss it under the hut, It'll only get carted away and stored in just one or two nests.
Nail it to pieces of firewood and leave it in dry sheltered places.
Or if you visit a campsite regularly.... Leave a couple of Victor #1's, that you've pre hair triggered, permanently nailed around the camp perimeter.
But don't leave them set when you walk out. That's just too cruel if you catch a possum and it lingers for days in the trap.
In just one camp over 2024, I caught 26 rats, 1 mouse, 5 hedgehogs, 7 possums and 1 cat
The easy thing is, it all happens while your sleeping

Originally Posted by NIMROD

Some good advice there.
And you can do your bit for conservation by helping keep our backcountry pristine and carry in a bucket of Rat Bait.
But don't just spread it around or toss it under the hut, It'll only get carted away and stored in just one or two nests.
Nail it to pieces of firewood and leave it in dry sheltered places.
Or if you visit a campsite regularly.... Leave a couple of Victor #1's, that you've pre hair triggered, permanently nailed around the camp perimeter.
But don't leave them set when you walk out. That's just too cruel if you catch a possum and it lingers for days in the trap.
In just one camp over 2024, I caught 26 rats, 1 mouse, 5 hedgehogs, 7 possums and 1 cat
The easy thing is, it all happens while your sleeping

Thanks for the advice. Very impressive!

Don't worry we will be predator free in 2050?

Originally Posted by NIMROD

Some good advice there.
And you can do your bit for conservation by helping keep our backcountry pristine and carry in a bucket of Rat Bait.
But don't just spread it around or toss it under the hut, It'll only get carted away and stored in just one or two nests.
Nail it to pieces of firewood and leave it in dry sheltered places.
Or if you visit a campsite regularly.... Leave a couple of Victor #1's, that you've pre hair triggered, permanently nailed around the camp perimeter.
But don't leave them set when you walk out. That's just too cruel if you catch a possum and it lingers for days in the trap.
In just one camp over 2024, I caught 26 rats, 1 mouse, 5 hedgehogs, 7 possums and 1 cat
The easy thing is, it all happens while your sleeping

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But don't leave poison where it can be accessed by dogs.

Originally Posted by NIMROD

Some good advice there.
And you can do your bit for conservation by helping keep our backcountry pristine and carry in a bucket of Rat Bait.
But don't just spread it around or toss it under the hut, It'll only get carted away and stored in just one or two nests.
Nail it to pieces of firewood and leave it in dry sheltered places.
Or if you visit a campsite regularly.... Leave a couple of Victor #1's, that you've pre hair triggered, permanently nailed around the camp perimeter.
But don't leave them set when you walk out. That's just too cruel if you catch a possum and it lingers for days in the trap.
In just one camp over 2024, I caught 26 rats, 1 mouse, 5 hedgehogs, 7 possums and 1 cat
The easy thing is, it all happens while your sleeping

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ya still a weapon mate!

Yeah.... most back country users have hilarious stories to tell of rats in huts.
Mine is when staying in a rat infested Urewera hut and had my knife belt hanging on a nail in a stud.
I was least amused in the morning to see a rat had gnawed on the stitching of my $400 Bill Nikl Knife sheath

The rats on a washing line love it

Don't get too invested in worry , at worst you could have a story to tell.
One night i was dreaming that i was patting the cat in bed before the brain sparked up and realized i was camping on the desert road. Not sure if the ferret or me got the biggest scare. ! I do know i slept alot better the nxt night though after i smacked the shit out of it with a Manuka stick after it came back for cuddles

Some of the most hilarious moments in my life has been with mates trying to eradicate rats in huts with all manner of brooms

We have had a few scratches, bumps and bruises and sometimes we even get the dirty rat

A mate woke with a rat on his pillow, and unfortunately yelled out in a most girlish scream, I laughed so hard I could barely breathe, then I couldn’t get back to sleep

Had lots of fun nights at Waikare Whenua, and Hanamahihi and Waikare central etc etc
Man up matey, a shared experience is better than no adventure.