Another varment which is mainly a problem in winter is the rat. Three cats help keep them in check and they would get more if they were allowed out at night. Those wood and wire snap traps baited with peanut butter are very effective and quick. Using poisons is a double edged sword since other animals can eat the poisoned animal and die from it; the warfarin-containing ones are especially dangerous to pets and other wildlike. Jerry John Flintoff Vashon Island,Washington,USA Zone 8