Preventing rats getting up pipes - NZ techniques or products

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Preventing rats getting up pipes - NZ techniques or products

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#2231564 6-May-2019 12:41

If the ultrasonics have any effect it's temporary and the device is like bad wifi in that it's line of sight. Any object in the path will mask it leaving lots of territory unaffected. If you look long enough there's bound to be a photo of cockroaches/rodents sitting on the device.

RickW

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#2231670 6-May-2019 14:24

How about putting some gutter leaf guard around the base of the down pipe with a couple of screws into the riser that way if you ever need to get into the riser to unblock it it’s only a couple of screws? That will 100% stop anything from getting anywhere near the inside of the down pipe!

timmmay

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#2231671 6-May-2019 14:29

@RickW there are lots of different gutter guard type products, did you have any particular one in mind?

RickW

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#2231682 6-May-2019 14:43

Something similar to this https://www.bunnings.co.nz/greenscape-180mm-x-8m-gutter-guard_p00544683 I would cut the (I’m guessing 80mm) hole out if this then 3-4 screws in the corners ideally something like a 12x25 multi or stitch screw with a neo washer on it.

I would stick with a plastic gutter guard if you have got metal downpipes to prevent scratching of the pipes.

timmmay

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#2231686 6-May-2019 14:51

RickW: Something similar to this https://www.bunnings.co.nz/greenscape-180mm-x-8m-gutter-guard_p00544683 I would cut the (I’m guessing 80mm) hole out if this then 3-4 screws in the corners ideally something like a 12x25 multi or stitch screw with a neo washer on it.

I would stick with a plastic gutter guard if you have got metal downpipes to prevent scratching of the pipes.

Rats chew through plastic, wood, wires, etc, so that won't work very well. I had something similar to what you linked to, I've stuffed it up one of the downpipes to the a bend where it lodged in pretty well, but in heavy rain it washed out. So whatever I do needs to be fairly well anchored.

RickW

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#2231690 6-May-2019 14:56

Well a bit of .55 flat colour steel then? Just over size the hole by 5mm to stop it from scratching the pipes?

Most roofing wholesalers would be able to give you what you need for free or close to it.

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timmmay

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#2231694 6-May-2019 15:01

So basically block the hole with piece of steel screwed over the drain hole? That might work, though the installation would be a nightmare given where they are - up very high on a highly tilted roof. Also I'd probably break something if I screwed into older drain pipe. Not a bad idea, but I might go with something I'm less likely to hurt myself doing or break while doing it :)

RickW

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#2231703 6-May-2019 15:13

Something like this.

timmmay

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#2231706 6-May-2019 15:20

Ah. That wouldn't work for how my drainage is set up.

mattwnz

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#2231716 6-May-2019 15:39

timmmay:
eracode:

How about something like this:

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/hydrowater-ltd-80mm-tank-debris-diverter-leaf-collector_p08913240

I’m sue a leaf diverter would work equally well the other way as a ‘rat preventer’.

That looks like a good option, thanks :) Maybe not that exact model as I think a lot of water would escape with vertical pipes, but the idea is good. I can look at the hardware store on the weekend.

Maybe something like the Leafeater ultra , which has a hood over it? https://www.rainline.co.nz/shop/product/6213/Leaf-Eater-Ultra/ . they have a metal mesh blocking the lower pipe, as well as a plastic leaf slide.. Also means you minimise get leaves blocking your drainage /soakpits etc.

timmmay

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#2231718 6-May-2019 15:42

Yeah that might do it. Fairly expensive but probably worth it to prevent rat problems.

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#2231838 6-May-2019 17:46

timmmay:
Ultrasonic repellers get mixed reviews.

"Mixed reviews" is being rather generous, of the few vaguely rigorous tests I've read, the consensus is that they don't work...

Dynamike

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#2231851 6-May-2019 18:18

Rats can’t climb up smooth metal, so get a couple of soft drink or beer cans that fit RP80 pipe, cut the ends off and glue them inside the pipe. Those 710ml cans of “V” with the screw on lid are an almost perfect fit.

timmmay

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#2231907 6-May-2019 19:52

Dynamike: Rats can’t climb up smooth metal, so get a couple of soft drink or beer cans that fit RP80 pipe, cut the ends off and glue them inside the pipe. Those 710ml cans of “V” with the screw on lid are an almost perfect fit.

I'd have to cut pipes and such to do that. It's unusual they can climb plastic but not metal.

I'll probably get a combination of caps and diverters, which should do the job.

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#2231909 6-May-2019 19:58

Where in the country are you located? Do you have any ideas on possible sources of the rats such as junk yard neighbours or abandoned/unkempt properties? Creeks or waterways?

Councils employ environmental officers whose job it is to take care of vermin.

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