Fix gap under fence/wall

[NDJ]

I have these cavities forming under the fence on the uphill side of the property. The lower wood beams act as a retaining wall for the other side. We have a huge rat problem in this part of the country, They can be the size of squirrels, and Im sure they are digging under it .
Backstory, The neighbor decided to have the old fence/wall replaced when I was out of town, Otherwise I would have been there to make them sink the timbers lower. Also, the crew just sawed off the old fence posts at the concrete and dug holes for new ones. So those old posts are in the way of trying to dig under it and fill it somehow ?.
On top of this the neighbor is demanding I pay half. His solution to the problem was to stack some random rocks against the gap.
Any suggestions on how to fix this and make it look half decent ?

 

[rlitman]

So by huge rat problem, you mean the rats are literally huge? LOL You definitely have a problem with a neighbor who makes decisions on your behalf while you're away and then demands payment.

Rats dig, and those rocks and even timbers won't slow them down. Neither will a barrier that extends merely to the ground.

 

[Firebrick43]

While many places have laws that require you to pay for repairs or installation of a fence on your half of the property line, no where I know would require you to pay for that.

They typically have to give notice (they apparently did not as they did it while you were on vacation) and a quote. They could only make you pay for a basic fence to keep livestock contained such as 5" post every rod and 6x6 woven wire, not a fancy fence like that. Also they would have to allow you to construct your own half, which again they did not.

I would tell them to pound sand.

And if BC is an open range place, then the common law based fence laws are moot and the property owner is responsible to keep live stock out not the other way around.

Best rat trap on the farm was a 55 gal steel drum with an open top and a board going up to the rim. Throw a handful of grain in the bottom.

 

[Monza Harry]

A rat wall needs to be 18" below grade that is a concrete rat wall. A better plan is eradication, realistically a dent in their population will help with their nomadic nature and try some other holistic deterents. I had a neighbor that created a large increase in the rodent population. Neighbor is gone but rodent population is much slower lowering itself. Help us all out with anything that works we all need all the help e can get!

 

[Zeke]

Live stock wire at the ground?

 

[NDJ]

A rat wall needs to be 18" below grade that is a concrete rat wall. A better plan is eradication, realistically a dent in their population will help with their nomadic nature and try some other holistic deterents. I had a neighbor that created a large increase in the rodent population. Neighbor is gone but rodent population is much slower lowering itself. Help us all out with anything that works we all need all the help e can get!

The government here in its infinite wisdom banned all the "Good" rat poisons a few years ago. Coincidentally there has been a huge increase in rat population. My house is fairly old and porous, They find their way in somehow every now and then, And I have to deal with em.
To be fair to the neighbor, There were some brief discussions previously about what to do with the decaying fence, But nothing finalized. Like the style/material . I am not too thrilled about the black metal roofing panel style.
I believe its always best to try and stay good neighbors tho.
Yes I could try the metal cloth stapled on the fence and stuck in the ground some, But still looks ugly.

 

[wssix99]

If you want to stop rats, you might consider a predator: https://www.lapsbc.ca/barn-cat-application/

^ We feed a number of these beasts in my neighborhood and the only rats I see are carcasses brought back to me as gifts.

 

[Monza Harry]

If you want to stop rats, you might consider a predator: ...

I see are carcasses brought back to me as gifts.

Skunks [I'm told they make great pets LOL!] will kill/eat rats appearantly they are part of the weasel family. So pick your poison/problems. Hardware cloth will not likely keep out rodents, a mouse cam fit through a hole the size of a pencil, I don't know/remember their hole size needs of a rat, but, not much bigger I'm sure. Harry

 

[Jim greengo]

Flowable fill.

 

[Mick56]

There are some non-poison methods that could work. Mix half & half, plaster of paris with flour. After the rats eat it, it will harden in their stomach and kill them. I think another way is half & half, baking soda and flour.

 

[LopezBart]

The government here in its infinite wisdom banned all the "Good" rat poisons a few years ago.

The problem with poisons, of course, is that many poisons go on to kill predators of all the sick rats the poisons create, or accidentally poison pets, young children, non-target wildlife, etc.

Cats or terriers are effective rat predators.

 

[wssix99]

Skunks [I'm told they make great pets LOL!] will kill/eat rats appearantly they are part of the weasel family. So pick your poison/problems.

With a little paint, you can have the best of both worlds.

 

[CJ7VFR]

Live stock wire at the ground?

We use this to help keep critters from getting under sheds too.

Use a shovel to cut a slot in the ground (at least a foot) and shove the wire (actually metal fencing for those who don't know what it is) into the ground. Then close the slot in the ground by pushing it closed with your foot.

Then roll the fencing up to the underside of the shed, staple the fencing to the shed, and cut off the excess.

If you use a fencing with a fine mesh (small openings), cut it neatly and straight, and use rust free staples, it will look nice and last a long time.

Jim