The agricultural pest known as the "earth rat" actually belongs to the vole family and is its largest member. Initially, the earth rat was found only in the southern regions, but gradually migrated to the north. Now it occupies the territory of the temperate climate zone almost to the border with the subarctic.
This rodent, having a body size of up to twenty-five centimeters, was mistakenly classified as a rat. But by all habits, this is a real vole, except perhaps an overgrown vole. The earth rat eats everything that grows, naturally giving preference to cultivated plants, as they are more nutritious and juicy. If she shows up on your site, you will see it in the completely destroyed beds. Onion, dill? Yes, easily. Roots? Good too. What is there - a flower bed? She will not disdain a flower garden. According to the testimony of gardeners whose plots were invaded by this rodent, the earth rat for some reason prefers saffron, which she does not mow.worse than a lawnmower.
The largest earth rats weigh up to half a kilogram, and their hair is quite thick and long. Under favorable conditions, the rodent breeds very quickly.
The female brings offspring up to three times a year, and in one litter there are three to five cubs. Earth rat babies are very nimble creatures, and within a month after birth they leave their parent, starting an independent life.
The earth rat leads a predominantly underground lifestyle, preferring to settle in river valleys and on the banks of natural and artificial reservoirs. As a rule, it does not penetrate cities, as real gray rats that “stake out” the territory drive away weaker aliens.
The fight against earth rats goes in different directions. This is the use of traditional poisons, as well as more modern, sophisticated methods. In order to drive away uninvited guests, the method that is successfully used against other underground pests - moles will fit. This is the use of ultrasonic repellers. Several emitters are installed on the site in a certain order (installation instructions are attached to the device), and after a short time the mole or earth rat leaves to eat field plants, leaving your site alone.
Some use fox terriers to fight these rodents. However, bullying by dogs is unlikely to give a 100% result, the earth rat is too cunning. The struggle with her madesome gardeners use very simple, but, according to the inventors, very effective methods. Pieces of rebar fifty to seventy centimeters long are hammered into the ground in a checkerboard pattern every four to six meters, and cans of beer or other drinks are put on them. In the wind, they begin to rattle, and from this sound the rats supposedly leave the territory.
There are many ways to deal with these giant voles, so you can choose the one that suits you best and will be more effective.
