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Re: Rats

In a message dated 6/14/98 10:33:22 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
stephen.griffiths@dial.pipex.com writes:

<< I guess in theory if a rat gnawed some vegetables and you ate them without
 cooking or washing them you might get something, but I think you would
 probably notice the teeth marks. 
  >>

Hi all,

I live in orange and avocado land,  and there are many local rats.  They climb
up the orange trees and eat out the entire centers of the fruit leaving just
the empty orange peel hanging on the tree.  Looks kinda funny,  but a dead
give away that they are around.  

They also gnaw on avocados while still hanging in the trees.  Once you know
what to look for,  it is a very distinctive bite mark.  I know many people who
value a good avocado more than fear a bite of an anti-social rat (defined as a
rat that bites into an avocado),  and when given the choice between throwing a
good fruit away with only a few bites gone,  hack away the offending portion,
and eat the rest.  It think that is the origin of quacamole.  I grew up eating
'trimmed' avocados.  Mom referred to rats as big mice.  I think it made the
eating the damaged avos easier.  I know many locals who eat damaged fruit,
and I have never known anyone who has gotten sick.  

I live in a moderately rural area,  and there are many rodents of many kinds
running around out there,  including rats.  I also have a large compost heap.
While I have had one snake visiting one,  never have I seen a single rat.  I
wouldnt worry about the occasional rat visiting your garden.

Janet.
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