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In reply to Post #26 Please familiarise yourself with these facts!.
Weil's disease can be carried in water contaminated with rats' urine.
Weil's disease,is the acute human form of a bacterial infection with a raft of different names: mud fever, swamp fever, haemorrhagic jaundice, swineherd's disease, sewerman's flu. All are known as Leptospirosis, mild cases of which affect millions of people every year worldwide.
The infection is caught through contact with infected animal urine (mainly from rodents, cattle or pigs), generally in contaminated water, and typically enters the body through cuts or scrapes, or the lining of the nose, mouth, throat or eyes. Only a very few patients experience the severe, life-threatening illness known as Weil's disease, thought to kill two or three people a year in Britain.
After an incubation period that can vary from three days to three weeks, most patients suffer severe headaches, red eyes, muscle pains, fatigue, nausea and a temperature of 39C or above. In roughly a third of cases there is a skin rash; sometimes hallucinations.
In very severe cases, symptoms include haemorrhaging from the mouth, eyes and internally. There is significant and rapid organ damage: liver and kidney failure can occur within 10 days, leading to jaundice (these are the only cases that can properly be called Weil's disease). Hospitalisation, followed by antibiotics and often dialysis, will be required if the patient is to survive. Recovery can take months.
According to British Rowing, the risk of contracting Weil's disease from recreational water in the UK is "very small". Infection is logically more likely in slow-moving or stagnant water and areas where agriculture and rodents mix; lakes, ponds and canals are more likely to be contaminated than fast-running streams, although some activities – angling, for example, where minor cuts and nicks are common, and swimming, where some water will almost inevitably enter the mouth – could heighten exposure.
Anglers,Rowers and canoeists should cover all cuts and abrasions; avoid splashing themselves, or swallowing potentially contaminated water; wash their hands carefully and if possible shower afterwards; and wash all equipment and clothing regularly. Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms after contact with fresh water should see their doctor immediately.
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In reply to Post #34 Taken from medical texts....
Symptoms develop normally from 7 to 14 days after contact with the infection but they can develop in as little as three days or as long as 30 days
First Phase
The disease hits people suddenly, starting with flu like symptoms including muscle pain, nausea and a fever higher than 102 degrees F. Severe headaches also accompany the first phase, hitting suddenly with the pressure and pain of a migraine. In about one-third of all leptospirosis, the individual infected will develop a rash. This rash is similar in appearance to that which is caused by meningitis. It will appear red with a series of pin*****ed-shaped valleys.
The bacteria is alive in the bloodstream during this time period. In mild cases, the disease will be fought by white blood cells and kept at bay. In severe cases, the blood-borne bacteria could cause the body to go into septic shock.
The first phase will often last 3 to 5 days.
Second Phase
The second window of the disease does not open in mild cases. Typically restricted to moderate to severe cases of leptospirosis, a second phase will usually manifest itself after 2 to 3 days of apparent recovery. This second stage is usually more aggressive, with the return of the fever, headache and muscle pain, as well as pain in the upper torso and additional symptoms that mimic meningitis--neck stiffness, vomiting and kidney issues.
Mild cases will clear up completely in 3 to 5 weeks.
Signs of Severity
In more serious cases, people with leptospirosis can expect severe, and oftentimes, fatal, organ trauma. Jaundice will onset, indicative of liver and kidney failure. The bacteria will also cause infections in the heart and cause massive internal bleeding.
Individuals in poor health will see the disease onset and progress much quicker, with death an almost certainty.
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In reply to Post #1 Hey all, Which tub of wipes or gel should i be buying to try and reduce this risk of catching weils ?
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In reply to Post #144 Cheers mate, I'll definitely be getting the dettol ones. I know what you mean about accepting a brew from someone who's just been shaking hands with the unemployed. 🤣 you literally pray for a bleep on the alarms so when you spring up you can deliberately kick the cuppa over and not have to drink the bloody thing.
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In reply to Post #143 I also do this. I use the wipes to clean off the pans between meals ( I do a week at a time). I use the Dettol type disinfectant ones. It doesn’t leave any taste behind. I also use them to wipe my hands after going for a wazz or to the portaloo.
I’ve also had a people comment that when I’ve made them a brew they were pleased to see me wipe my hands and another wipe for the cup. The amount of times you are made a brew by someone who’s had their dick in their hand having a wazz just before doesn’t bear thinking about.
90 odd pence for a big bag full in the supermarkets makes it a no brainier 👍
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| Cam | Posts: 6460 |  | MODERATOR | |
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In reply to Post #142 Just your bog standard wet wipes mate so I don't get all the crap in my bags/cases.
You do the real clean when you get home.
Hope your health is good/getting better
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In reply to Post #141 Cheers CAM. You're probably right. Are the wipes that you use just normal off the shelf types or is there a particular one that works better considering most are for just cleaning the skin or light spills on kitchen surfaces.
I was rushed into hospital last Christmas morning with Covid pneumonia and two large blood clots on my lungs. Was told if the wife hadn't forced me to get up for the kids that morning that she would have found me a gonner later that day. She's forever nagging at me to hand sanitise (she's an ex nurse) but it's not something I naturally think of doing.
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| Cam | Posts: 6460 |  | MODERATOR | |
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In reply to Post #140 IMO, I wouldn't take the risk tbh.
I just use some wet wipes and then give them a proper clean when I get home.
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Just wondering about weils disease. After finishing with my pots, pans etc, was thinking if boiling some lake water in the used pan to assist in washing up the pans. Do you think this is also not safe. I was hoping that the boiling of the water would mean that there would be no contamination and therefore be safe to wash up with.
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That's really bad advise you clearly have no idea
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In reply to Post #137 Utter rubbish. Your piss poor advice is now threatening people's lives. Bang out of order
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Message Suppressed by Forum Moderator.
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Hello, Can you please suggest me which company provides rat control services?
Actually, the reason is that this service needed by my house so, please suggest company details with services details share with me.
Thanks in advance!
https://www.hometermitecontrolsydney.com.au/termite-inspection
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In reply to Post #1000 A couple of years ago I was in hospital with a very serious infection in my Gall bladder, I had to go into a CT Scanner where a surgeon put a drain pipe into my bladder which was left in for 4 weeks, I was then cut open to remove my bladder, a couple of weeks later I was back in hospital with a Liver infection, I remember as if it was a few minutes ago, the Doctor asked me if I had been in contact with Rats, I had to tell him I go Fishing, I was scared to death having remembered what happened to Ken, my blood was sent to the lab for a Micro Biology. it seemed to take an age before the results came back, I was clear of Weills disease, I had received Liver damage when I had my Gall bladder removed, I have never liked rats and I like them even less now, I carry a small air pistol(where allowed) and have potted a few but I never leave bait out, I have also become hand wash mad, I have always got 3/4 bottles of hand gel and also carry a bottle of anti-bacterial wash with me and clean my hands after everything I touch.
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In reply to Post #133 Odd, isn't it! A guy from Australian using a forum name of a past US president, spamming an as yet unnamed rat/pest control service.
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In reply to Post #131
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In reply to Post #131 I have got a hell of a problem with rats on my lake. They are out of control. Could you pop over and deal with them please?
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In reply to Post #1 Hello,
Anyone talk rats issue that is solution find to me & prefer my company this company provide rat control service any person need this service after contact this company & get the details. I share my company service rat control, mice control, termite inspection, termite inspection cost etc. you should try this.
Thanks!
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In reply to Post #125 You can live with them. I cannot. Buy some proper traps and catch them and kill them. Putting food down for them is madness.
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In reply to Post #127 Insane? I'm not the one encouraging rats into my swim
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In reply to Post #127 If you're putting food down as a trap, as you said, and you miss with the catapult, you are really feeding them?
Best policy with rats is, don't leave any food around for them, unless it is a proper trap. Keep all bags and zips fastened properly. Rats, don't usually hang around for too long if no food is available.
I take a tub of big wipes when i fish now, they combat a lot of nasties including Weils Disease
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In reply to Post #126 im not "feeding" them are you insane? lol,
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In reply to Post #125 So you're feeding them to encourage them infront of your bivvy just so you can catapult stones at them?
Surely you're better using a proper trap otherwise you're just feeding them.
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In reply to Post #114 we all take our uneaten food and rubbish away with us anyway, (or should do!) youll never beat the rats just have to live with it, no one can help it dropping a bit of bait particle whatever in the swim specially during a long session! i sit in my bivvy and set a bait trap for the little ****ers, they love nuts and boilies, when they make the dash in front of me they get it with my pult, small pebble like stones are perfect, mind you ive blanked on that issue too!
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In reply to Post #120 I have still not recovered full liver and kidney function 11 YEARS later! Doc has warned me that this could shorten my life so I live every day like it is my last! Trouble is, my body feels weak and feeble most of the time and it is hard just to work up the enthusiasm!
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In reply to Post #119 That's sounds about right...little gits...
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In reply to Post #121 Bought a couple of the 40 size tubs, better size than the 80 for fishing, i paid £3.75 per tub.
Money well spent imo
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Big Wipes, sold in many builders merchants are stated to protect against Weils and other nasty stuff.
Think they're about £8 per tub
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A good few years ago, a mate of one of my brother's caught Weils disease. He was a brick layer, working in a basement of some old buildings.
He and his work mates were aware there were rats down there but, still took their lunch and tea breaks down there quite often. One Saturday morning he woke up feeling rough, he and his wife thought he had flu, so he dosed himself up and stayed in bed. A few days later, he felt a lot worse, and had started going yellow, the doctor was called and he was rushed to hospial.
After a while they diagnosed Weils, they put him on a drip and meds etc, they did save him but, he suffered severe liver and kidney damage. He is a shadow of his former self now, and is in a wheelchair. He didn't realise about Weils, and so didn't go to the docs or hospital in time, otherwise they probably could have sorted him.
It's a horrible disease but, curable if caught in good time.
I would advise anybody that has the slightest inclination that they might have it, to go straught to the docs or hospital.
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In reply to Post #118 Well thats exactly what happened the said rig had a small pva stick attached to it ready for the night ahead and i had a crumb trail leading into the bankside vegetation 👍👍
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In reply to Post #117 Doubt it very much as they have a tendency to just chew the hairs off...
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In reply to Post #9 I fish a variety of day ticket lakes under my supa brolly and i actually forgot to put my baited rigs in my bucket one night and a rat came and helped itself to my baited rig, wonder whether the kaptor nailed it
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In reply to Post #115 Just getting back into my fishing after 4 years out and this would of been the last thing on my mind, really good read and useful info on things I'll be taking to the bank
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Wyreside had a real rat problem they wanted to party in your bivvy when you where crashing out.....
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In reply to Post #112 One of the best ways of controlling rat infestations is to remove the extra food anglers provide. Starvation will make them move on quite quickly. So take all your waste food home to dispose of it, including all packaging, keep bait in a bait bucket with a good sealed lid, and make sure you dont drop bait around your swim.
Without the unnatural bonus food the rats will soon move on elsewhere.
BOF
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In reply to Post #100 Rats still will be about even with the radio and light on, trust me
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In reply to Post #1000 The fisheries and Environment Agency has a duty of care towards people using the lakes and rivers of the uk.
If the fishery that you use has a problem with rodents please complain as this will force them to take measures to control the problem.
As pest control can be a extra cost to the owners many will not want to take the matter serious and turn a blind eye but it is their responsibility to reduce numbers of vermin which cause spread of disease as they are liable if complaints have been made and no action taken.
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This has opened my eyes to weils and rats,i have used lake water to clean pots,had a rat in my bivvy the other day looking,i drank some lake water the other day without boiling,im very worried now anything that can be taken to reduce the risk of weils
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In reply to Post #1000 when I worked at a trout farm we were given cards to carry saying I could have been exposed to leptospirosis. I don't know why cause sifting through a dying mans wallet ain't the done thing ( I don't live in London no offence to cockneys). but on a serious note your not gonna get flu in the summer so if you have the symtomns get checked out n tell your doctor you've been fishing and could have been exposed DON'T RING NHS DEATH DIRECT or 111 see him in person
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In reply to Post #1000 when I worked at a trout farm we were given cards to carry saying I could have been exposed to leptospirosis. I don't know why cause sifting through a dying mans wallet ain't the done thing ( I don't live in London no offence to cockneys). but on a serious note your not gonna get flu in the summer so if you have the symtomns get checked out n tell your doctor you've been fishing and could have been exposed DON'T RING NHS DEATH DIRECT or 111 see him in person
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In reply to Post #107 I also have my bivvy done up nice and tight and all edges pinned down for the night
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In reply to Post #106 Boiling water doesnt get rid of weils, always have a rat trap set at night
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dont know if this came up earlier in thread but i u
this, odour free and designed for the fisherman:
http://www.precisionangling.co.uk/dr-weils.htmse
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In reply to Post #1000 Weils disease is bad but should not be taken out of context, i was a keen water skier for many years and have skied all over the country, one or two people have contracted the disease but when you think of the thousands who ski and have never been infected it puts the risk into perpective, and I have swallowed may a mouth full of lake wter at a rapid rate of knotts when falling off.
If fishing on a lake with rats present take reasonable precautions but still enjoy your fishing.
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In reply to Post #103 very informative thread
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In reply to Post #102 yea i know defies logic eh? lol
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In reply to Post #101 almost everytime if fish the lake over the road from this one(which is only days) i end up with headache and a day or two of flu like symptoms? and i'm not the only one..very odd that
& yet you keep going back!?
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In reply to Post #100 on some lakes this wont dter the rats.. i done an overnighter this wednesday, and when i got up for a wee at about 5.30 am i found that my small rubbish bag had gone? never did find it? also my saucepan that was full to the brim with lake water had been dragged about 7ft away? im thinking that this was a fox? and talking of strange happenings,almost everytime if fish the lake over the road from this one(which is only days) i end up with headache and a day or two of flu like symptoms? and i'm not the only one..very odd that
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In reply to Post #1000 i have one of those cheap solar lights from wilko that you stick in the garden,which i place under my bed.
i also leave the radio on.
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In reply to Post #1000 My dog died of this many years ago.
I have accidently drank the same lake water 15 years later, in th autum. My misis brought down a bottle of water for me to drink, I had a similar bottle filled with lake water next to the unhooking matt. I placed the drinking water next to it. When my partner went I picked up the wrong bottle lake water and started to drink waving to my partner. I only had a couple of mouthfulls before realising what I had done. I drank my other drink, and when I got home drank lots more water. Luckily I didn't get I'll.
How do some fisherman kiss fish. Shorely that's risky
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In reply to Post #97 I'd go to the GP and tell him your concerns. At best it'll put your mind at ease, worst case scenario you've contracted it, and you can get it sorted now before it ****s you up. There's probably nothing to worry about, but it's better to go to the GP and get the all clear than not go the GP and get sick.
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Ive used anti bac gel for years now, the session before the bottle split and I hadn't replaced it, have now tho.
So if baby wipes arnt good enough, do you think I should get checked out?
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In reply to Post #95 no mate, baby wipes will not kill bacteria. You need to get some anti-bacterial hand gel for when you're fishing. I'm a bit OCD with it, but better than to risk getting weils disease.
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Whilst fishing an overnighter last week under an oval, I nodded off halfway through a cuppa. I was woken up by a rustling sound. As I looked out 2 bloody very rats scampered across my swim with custard veranda in there gobs.
I checked the pack and they had knicked half a pack, they had been standing on a toilet roll whilst munching. When I picked the toilet roll up it was soaked through with rat piss.
I had a full panic and wiped everything down with baby wipes. I'm now crapping myself, every headache I get all I can think is weils.
Were the baby wipes enough?
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In reply to Post #91 I always wash my pots and pans in the lake water wiv no problems
Well then you have been very lucky so far .With this information at your fingertips, you would be foolish to ignore this and possibly risk your life .
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Wow, I can't say i have ever had any troubles with rats - as most say keep food inside, off the ground and sealed and hang rubbish away from your bivvy common sense really!
You would think that with it being a potentially fatal disease they would raise awareness on the tv programs.
I can't remember ever hearing any angler speak about it on telly i.e. Thinking tackle etc. People new to the sport get to see the guys catching fish, putting them back and never shows any use of wipes etc
Even something like a mention at the end of these programs could raise awareness all over the country!
Just my two cents!
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I always wash my pots and pans in the lake water wiv no problems
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I always wash my pots and pans in the lake water wiv no problems
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In reply to Post #1000 A guy i knew got wells disease from a water in s/w, he was in hospital for a long time in a coma, he did make it tho, i seen him a week after he came out. he was 7st and looked very, very ill! Makes u think how quickly ur life could change?
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Took the dog with me for the first time new years day and she kept the the rats away!! lovely. didn't need to use the rat traps i bought of ebay just yet!!
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In reply to Post #75 You can never be too careful, my father-in-law nearly died of Weils disease. He worked for the council on the roads and picked it up at work. I always have wipes and anti-bacterial gel with me when fishing and keep some in the car for when I am shooting... being aware of the symptoms to the extent you can raise it as a concern to a doctor is excellent advice.
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In reply to Post #85 Ive contacted the seller asking him to amend the price.Otherwise another link can be used .
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In reply to Post #84 probably currently out of stock.
i believe that its common practice to change the price to a ridiculous one, rather than remove the listing & put it back up later.
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In reply to Post #1000 Is that a pricing error on there mate
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In reply to Post #1000 Is that a pricing error on there mate
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In reply to Post #1000 Gud to know, thanks fellas. How many fishermen suffer from severe cases of this a year? Anyone know??
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One of my Friends come into contact with it 5 or 6 years ago, he said "trust me, you know when you have got it". He was nearly a gonner but he managed to tell them early on that he had been fishing a week previous so they caught it in time. To be honest before he contracted it, he didnt care, he would leave everything outside and uncovered.....but now, he has the cleanest Peg on the lake!!!
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In reply to Post #3 I can remember the days when guys used to use lake water for making tea
Oh god I fished today with a guy who did that...I politely declined.
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really useful link!!! a real eye opener
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Gorilla wipes was a company started by a friend, and have been using them since he started it. Really good and not wanting to plug him, but for £6 a tub (80) wipes money seriously well spent...
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In reply to Post #1 There are very few rats on my syndicate, only seen 2 together on 1 night all season im begining to think i was dreaming not seen any again. All i can say is dont leave any scraps of food anywhere bag it all up take it home and keep rubbush bags out of reach. If there is a major problem ask the owner to put traps down or stock a few mink they like the rats for supper.
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pound shop sell 3pack bottles of the gel £1
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In reply to Post #1000 Worth considering, letting any family you may have know the syptoms of Weils . if you were unlucky enough to catch it, you may not be in a position to explain to doctors what it is, and most doctors have normally never heard of it.
or you can carry a card in your wallet, advising that you work with/in around water and any flu like syptoms may be weils disease.
Dont forget, its not just while angling. Work parties, pre baiting, etc
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I'll defo be buying a bottle of alcohol gel me thinks. Isn't there Ny kind of rat repelant spray or something you burn like you get for Insects, this would be good !
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In reply to Post #61 wow we have a lot to learn ( BASIC HYGIENE)
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In reply to Post #4 had a rat chew through bivvy, had fly mesh down on front n food at the back out of the way, they obviously wanted ig, chewed a nice hole through the back and into a load of bread. That was years back on selby 3, I use a brolly but make sure everything is out the way day n night.
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In reply to Post #1000 bloody hell reading this thread has made me wake up and smell the roses!!!i take my twins who are 6 with me alot in the summer and they are always happy searching for snails worms etc on the waters edge never even considered what they could catch. and theres loads of rats on the venues i fish!! im off to get some bacterial gel!!!
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In reply to Post #1000 all i do is to put bread around my mates bivvy,then they stay with him all night
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In reply to Post #66 Hi all. I have fished some rat holes and never had a problem. I am conscious about them and keep a tidy swim but i think me taking the dog with me keeps them away, the rats must smell him and steer clear. I believe this as on many occasions my fishing mate next door has had problems. He's good for keeping most night time visitors at bay to think of it
but what about the rats that pissed in your swim before you got there?
or in the water that you put your hands into? or on the wet ground that your dog laid on?
its not just the rats that you see that are the problem.
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Worth a read guys, we all know about it but keep it in your mind
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In reply to Post #1 Hi all. I have fished some rat holes and never had a problem. I am conscious about them and keep a tidy swim but i think me taking the dog with me keeps them away, the rats must smell him and steer clear. I believe this as on many occasions my fishing mate next door has had problems. He's good for keeping most night time visitors at bay to think of it
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i always carry some haqnd cleaner from blacks, it is a tiny bottle that evaporates really quick off your hands so you dont need water.
A small splodge abouth the size of an M&M sweet is more than enough.
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In reply to Post #63 Same as that, get em in boots or medical shops, only a quid or two, gives you piece of mind
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I always have a bottle of hand sanitiser (like the stuff used in hospitals) in my kit and use it before eating or drinking.
http://www.justhygiene.co.uk/products/alcohol-based-hand-gels-2/?gclid=CMa4v4D5lKsCFeomtAodHFNRvQ
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In reply to Post #1000 I heard the advice about tetanus. Is there an antibacterial handwash which is a good health protection against nasty lakeside infections such as Weills?
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In reply to Post #1000 With reference to people shooting the furry beggars,its definitely legal to AS LONG AS YOU HAVE THE LANDOWNERS PERMISSION TO. It is not legal to discharge a weapon in a public place.
The best thing I found was a big bag of 8-10mm steel ball bearings and a black widow type catapult,the sort with a wrist support! I usually place a tin of corn at the front of the bivvy when it gets dark and sit with the red light on my head torch,then blast them at point blank range,hours of fun and provides a service to both fishery owner and angler!
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In reply to Post #1000 I had wells disease once and it is easy to catch. Years ago i was stupid enough to clean my plates and cutlery in the lake i once fished. I believe i caught the disease this way and i was bad for a few days and i think if i had not had a upto date tetanus injection then symptoms would of been alot worse. I had severe headaches and severe dizzy spells and terribly sick for days. Believe me this is not nice, also when making cups of tea never leave spoons on the grass and keep all food in your bag of the floor. I keep my cups and spoons and all food in my bag away from the ground and when cleaning my plates and cutlery i always boil the kettle and wash in this. Also i keep baby wipes on me to clean them after. When eating food just quickly wipe your hands with baby wipes before eating a sandwich or a dozen biscuits with your tea.
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In reply to Post #1000 after reading all of this has made me even more aware this is something i can not really catch higher risk to me possibly due to the fact i have no spleen which is my imune system that helps to fight infections. Glad i found this and thanks to ken for the link
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In reply to Post #1000 2.2 airifle did the trick for me haha
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In reply to Post #1000 i hate rats
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In reply to Post #10 is it legal to have an airweapon in a public place then?
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In reply to Post #53 Kills 99.999% of harmful bacteria inc E.Coli, Listeria MRSA, Salmonella and Weil's disease.....
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/80-Gorilla-Hand-Wipes-They-Remove-Silicone-Paint-Grease-/370434990470?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item563fa56186
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In reply to Post #24 >>Please note not all antibacterial wipes are proof against Weil's disease
I work in our rivers as part of my job and we have always been issued with alcohol smelling 'antibacterial' wipes.
These were withdrawn recently, the reason given was that they were not proof against Weil's disease.
We now have Gorilla Wipes which are effective against Weil's disease. They also stink terribly so I suspect that they contain something stronger than the normal antibacterial ones.
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In reply to Post #1000 After reading this thread I will be sticking an anti-bacterial hand wash in my tackle box for sure! Ive been meaning to do it anyway if not just for removing the taste of bloodworm boiles from my hands before i tuck into my food!
Trying to be the devils advocate here a bit I would say that where ever we are we are surrounded by rats...just because you cant see them doesnt mean they are not there...it wasn't until we got a cat recently that i knew how many were around our garden (normal house in brum suberbs)...massive things as well! I think you tend to notice them more when fishing as you are generally sat still and silent as it gets dark. If you sit still and silently almost anywhere at night outside you will see a rat before too long.
The point im making is there is the potential for Wiels to be spread virtually anywhere...say a kids toy left outside on a hot summers night gets rat's pee on, kid picks it up next morning and then sticks their hand in their mouth...
I agree take sensible precautions where ever you can (as i said i will be leaving handwash in my kitbag from now on) but try not to panic when you see a rat as they are part and parcel of our daily lives. I would also say my point goes both ways..not only should you not sit there panicking while fishing that you might die any second (obviously take sensible precautions) but also you should be more aware of rats living, feeding, peeing around, and quite possibly IN your house and garden.
Doing an overnighter last August i was barely able to get to sleep...i could hear undreds of rats and they seemed to be fighting non stop (horrible loud screaching sounds) and you could here them swimming back and forth from "rat" island! My fishing buddy thought i was a little OTT cause i wouldnt stop talking about them...looking at my bivvy in the head torch from his swim all you could see was hundreds of pairs of shiny eyes, it was pretty immense lol. Next morning we looked for our bait and could see it either floating off in the water (couple whole loves of bread for surface fishing) or it was simply gone! My mate had a tin of luncheon meat which he was gonna chuck so he stuck it on the ground between his 2 feet, with the intention of splatting any attacking rats...was gone within a couple of minutes and we didnt even see the culprit!
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In reply to Post #48 Hi Dean,
I'd make sure that your tetanus is up to date...Same goes to everyone reading this...
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In reply to Post #17 Been reading through this over the past few days, i beleive the younger generation like myself needs to be more aware off this, i've seen people my age wash their pans in the lake, then prepare food on it after!
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In reply to Post #48 Friends I know generaly working with sewage and associated risks are advised to have hepatitus a,b, & c type innoculations as well as a regular tetanus. Again as stated no protection to Weils, still might be an idea to check with your GP as not sure how often persons in high risk catagories should re-vacinate. Tetanus was generally 10 years.
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In reply to Post #47 i hear what your saying Ken, dont think it was exactly for weils, but minimises how bad you might get it, might have been some kind of tetnus, work underground in tunnels where drainage would cause a problem with rat urine and alike, never had a symptom yet and hope i never do. glad you recovered from yours, some great tips and talks from the mighty Ken would very much be missed, tight lines chaps....
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In reply to Post #46 had a jab a few years ago for this weils disease but how long does it last b4 i need to have it again ..??
Without wishing to worry you, Dean, I can assure you that you did not have an inoculation against Weils Disease...There IS NO effective preventative measure currently available, though they are researching like mad to try and find one. No matter what anyone says (and this includes some doctors) you cannot at present receive a jab that will protect against Weils. IT DOES NOT EXIST!
It is thought that a recent anti-tetanus jab may help in slowing down the progress of Weils but it is NOT a prevention in itself.
Lepto Information Centre advice
preventative medication
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In reply to Post #1000 had a jab a few years ago for this weils disease but how long does it last b4 i need to have it again ..??
oh and by the way it can also be picked up from cattle and pigs aswell chaps
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In reply to Post #1 Really interesting reading,
I am just starting carping again and will be starting some night sessions soon. I have taken some good tips here guys. Anything thing else I can do to help prvent this?
Thanks
Dave
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In reply to Post #42 Dry gear shouldn't be a problem, if you are worried about wet lines on reels and so forth a spray of vinegar would do the job. Important kit is dried off as soon as possible.
A disinfecting hand gel is the other best option.
Below is further tips from decease control web site stuff
Disinfecting your kit and non-porous materials is extremely simple, as the leptospira bacterium (Weils) is very sensitive to disinfectants, soaps and many other household chemicals even at low concentrations. Despite the bacteria being extremely dangerous during an infection, they are one of the easiest to control.
Any non-porous surface that has dried for more than a minute or two will be safe, and will remain so even if it becomes wet again - the bacteria are instantly killed by drying.
Normal concentrations of detergent, disinfectant and soap can be used to clean your tackle; there is no need to use specialist chemicals or higher concentrations, no need to use hot water or to soak items for a long time. - for infection control you only needcare about killing them.
Any commercial brands of cleaning products, but any product with a proven antibacterial action (disinfectants, bleaches, alcohol-based solutions, etc.) will be effective against leptospires even if they are not mentioned on a label.
Where cleaning chemicals are not available, some benefit has been found in the fact leptospires are very intolerant of acid - a solution of acetic acid (vinegar) or citric acid (lemon juice) will work as a disinfectant, for example to wash hands on a fishing trip.
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But it isnt just tackle that you can get it from. Wonder how many people return a fish into the water, dry their hands and then eat something later without cleaning their hands. I know I don't and could pay for it one day I guess
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Is there a spray that you can use to spray your tackle with that kills weils disease? Or after how long will the disease effectively die when out of the rats body?
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In reply to Post #38 well funnily enough that groundbait was meant for the cats i was targeting.... the ones in the lake though not on the land
but yeah he didn't even used to feed them at all at first they jut lived off the rats they caught. anglers give them bits of food too, they really loved the squid i gave them! he just leaves a bowl of food out every other day and they seem to get on fine.
very good idea and as you mention a little price to pay in terms of putting up with the noise to potentially saving anglers lives. more fishery owners should definitely look into this i reckon
edit: not completely sure but sounds like you may have a point about the otters too!
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In reply to Post #1000 May i also add , i hope this discourages anglers from tipping water over other anglers when they have banked a target fish , as it may well be his last
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In reply to Post #38 A word of caution I would not treat them as you would the household verity. The little buggers can cause damage way beyond their size. The only thing stopping them dragging you into the undergrowth is that you are bigger
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In reply to Post #36 Glad to hear it was a moggy helping itself to your groundbait. better than being visited by a rat.
It's a pity more fishery managers don't employ cats around their waters. Apart from the odd tin of Kitty food it must be cheaper than bringing in Rentokil to take care of rodents.
A few ferral cats chattering through the night is a small price to pay for a rodent free venue.
At least your fishery owner is doing his bit, and reducing the risks.
I imagine cats around the place may deter otters too!!
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In reply to Post #29 Hi Ken,
Thanks for the grim reminder... this should be a picture set that comes up on a monthly basis... just to make sure people don't forget just how serious Weils can be.
That slim downed shot of you looks very spooky.... reminds me of my triple bypass shots, a few weeks after the op.... there was me thinking I was OK... all me mates saying I looked OK... and me looking like a bloo8y skeleton !!
I always carry the anti bacterial slime now and probably use it too much (if that's possible !!)
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In reply to Post #34 on one of the local waters near me the owner of a fishery had a problem with rodents (probably his own fault as he never seems to empty the bins on site) and bought two cats. they have got rid of all the rats and mice they used to have and have bred like crazy. there is about 9 of them now living wild around the lake.
when he mentioned it to me i didnt think much of it but after reading this i think it seems a very good idea indeed!
the only problem is when you set your bivvy up in the swim with the bush they live/sleep in! kept me up all night making all kinds of funny noises... my mate said he even saw one go in my bivvy and eat my grounbait out of the bucket lol.
anyway, as already said i think people should take things a bit more serious about this. i know im not putting my hands in the lake with cuts etc. from now on!
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In reply to Post #33 chirst!! some serious sh+t! roughly how long after contact would these symptoms occur, just out of interest?
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In reply to Post #31 .
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In reply to Post #31 Takes balls to say that.
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In reply to Post #1000 with regards to post 21 i appologise profusely and have removed the post.i make no attempt to cover my own back but thought you were talking about something completely different.
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In reply to Post #21 Take this seriously ken was lucky but a friend of mine was not he was in the barn felt something wet on his face it was rat urine not long after he had the disease weil's i am afraid he did not last long he was dead within days he turned a horrible yellow and swelled up terrible. I also lost my dog SAM with weil's all he did was to drink infected water out of a puddle beside the road he was dead within months although the vet said he could save him no way if that happened again i would have the dog put down terrible to see him suffer like he did he had the appropriate injections but it did not stop him catching it so please take heed when on the bank
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In reply to Post #1000 Good post 1000, Bob...For those who cannot be arsed to read the entire thread linked in post 24, just look at these three pix...
On release from hospital after surviving Weils, and loosing 17kg in less than 10 days...

Black tongue cause by the treatment...

About 18 months later...and I am still suffering the after effects to this day, six years later...
If you are determined not to listen to guys like me who have suffered and, thank God survived, then more fool you. You are stupid with a capital P...
Post 21: You are an ars'ole. What you suggest is ignorant and irresponsible beyond belief
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In reply to Post #24 Cheers mate
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In reply to Post #25 im lucky ive only fish one night where ive seen a rat so sleep with my door open. the only problem i had last year when i was fishing on the river was the cows
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In reply to Post #21 I hope I'm not into the swim after you. Your tactic may give you a clear night but the repercussions are
immense. Don't feed the rodents whatsoever.
Lets all try and avoid baitspill from sloppy spoding techniques and take used old bait away.
Feeding rats anything increases your risk - be warned.
Let the Baliff or fishery manager know about rodent sightings. Because if they do nothing their duty of care may be called into question. Likewise if you take no precautions yourself your own duty of care & to others may be approached as neglect. I imagine though, it could be hard case to proove.
Consciencous fishery owners should have a plan, and consider the problem in their Risk assessment
for their business.
Disgarded food & Spilt bait = Rat food No food. No bait spill = Less rats
Less Rats = Less risk to mine & your HEALTH
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In reply to Post #22 Iv always rinsed my hands, face and pots and pans in lake water, nut as moving to a new lake next year think il stop that habit.
So what are the health tips then guys??
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In reply to Post #19 Three cases in one hospital in such a short space of time suggests it is definitly prevalent in the SW. There is normally only around 40-50 cases in the UK each year.
Chap I know had it, he was on deaths door and still isn't fully recovered a couple of years on.
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In reply to Post #20 sorry, wrong thing to say in the wrong place
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In reply to Post #17 Rats and mice spread Weils so anyone NOT taking precautions either is an idiot or he doesn't care about his life.
It’s the old `won’t happen to me syndrome` Can’t understand why people would want to ignore a very serious health risk by courting disaster in the way some do.
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In reply to Post #18 I've not heard of many instnces of veils in the west country.
Well I can assure you they happen...the time I was in hospital a young farm hand came into my ward. He had Weils...He didn't make it.. A week after I came out a sewage worker with SWW dies of Weils. Ignore the risk at your peril...
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In reply to Post #17 You were unfortunate. I've not heard of many instnces of veils in the west country. Don't suppose there is a water in the land that arat doesn't visit at some stage in a day. Was the particular lake known as a rat hot spot? I've fished numerous dayticket venues regularly around the West country and with the very odd exception seen very few rodents.
Scariest place I ever saw was Broadlnds. Hants should have sussed the problem as I had a wlk around, as numerus bivvies had improvised traps set. Did a couple of overnighters without much sleep.
How anyone could wash a pot or as you rightly say even handing fish briefly from the water was putting
yourself at risk.
This is what good forum is for. I'll agree take all the precautions you can.
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You don't even have to be fishing to be at risk. I caught Weils at a Cornish lake when doing a photo shoot for a new Fox product that was being launched. I took the missus to do the pix while I did the product manipulation. This involved getting my hands wet in the margins for a few seconds. That's when I nearly lost my life.
Rats and mice spread Weils so anyone NOT taking precautions either is an idiot or he doesn't care about his life.
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I remember on my France holiday last year; I had 20kg of bait in a big airdry sack. Had been out in the sun all day, when it started to rain, so I quickly shoved it in the doorway of my brolly. I ended up leaving it there for the night. When I woke up, there was a couple of holes and a few boilies laying around. Was pi$$ed off, and took care what I touched. Was instantly paranoid about my bait, if had pi$$ed all over it etc. Wasn't until later on that I realised just how much bait it had nicked. Between my brolly and it's little route out of the reeds was the boat. Under the boat was about 2kg of boilies! It must have had a little chain going!! That was just under the boat, god knows how many he got back to the nest and ate!
But as angry as I was, it was my own fault. They have as much right to be there as us. If you invite them in, they are going to take up the opportunity! I think traps is a bit harsh really. Don't encourage them and then you wont have any problems.
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In reply to Post #14 may i ask what you do with the rats once killed in your?
i hope the answer is not chuck them in a nearby bush the smell in summer would be horrible
On the lake i fish, if there was a dead rat, the other rats would carry it off and prob eat it!
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In reply to Post #7 may i ask what you do with the rats once killed in your?
i hope the answer is not chuck them in a nearby bush the smell in summer would be horrible
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In reply to Post #4 I watched somebody years ago at the little pit in Arlesey boiling a kettle of lake water and they had a dead duck in their swim! Bet you wouldn't drink it then!
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In reply to Post #7 I take a couple of traps as well and enjoy the sound of the snap
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In reply to Post #9 Vermin can be popped off with an airpistol.
I'm lucky that the places I fish have low populations of rats but my trusty Webley is always nearby.
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In reply to Post #1 after reading posts about rats and weils dieses, rabies, and all the other scum they carry, i was wondering if any else fishes rat infested lakes with open front brollys ????
i fish on the busiest dayticket in the northwest and with masses of people come massive plagues of rats. there's hundreds off them, great big dirty things
i fish under a brolley so im only acouple feet away and probs in some cases inches. they dont bother me but i just make sure i dont drop any bait, keep it in a sealed bucket and hang my bin bag in a tree. this definatly works as there only there to eat the mess that we make.
i guess they just move on from my swim, to the **** hole of a swim next one down
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maby not rats but mice cohh , woke up in the middle of the night in summer to a mouse walking over my bobbins , wich were on the floor i chased it of then it came back walking over a few tesco bags got me up again
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In reply to Post #6 I always take a couple of rat traps... cost me about 4 quid each... The bait area on them is perfect for a boilie and it somehow feels nice when you hear that special SNAP sound!! May not solve the problem immediately, but it gives me some pleasure.....
Just imagine if we all took a couple of traps....
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In reply to Post #5 I never use a bivvy with a front, you miss so much otherwise. I fish Linear a lot and the rats there are scared of nothing. If you sensible and keep everything out the way and your rubbish hanging from a tree you shouldn't get bothered to bad but the things are everywhere. The worst thing is them running past all three hangers as if they know what they are doing at 3 o'clock in the morning (*******s)
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In reply to Post #1 i cant fish with a enclosed front feels like camping to me!
and i hate groundsheets!!
so yea always have an open front, never had any problems just dont leave food or bait out, as bream boy said if they want to get in they will get in even in your twin skinned double groundsheet bivvy!!
i use the lake water for washing the frying pan ect all the time never harmed me.
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In reply to Post #1 Yes
It may be hard to believe that rats can also walk through an open bivvy door
They can also chew through a fully colsed zipped up bivvy as well, so even using a fitted groundsheet and a zipped up door rats will get in if they want. They can chew through all sorts - a bit of nylon won't stop them
Edit, I regularly use lake water for brews, never got ill yet, I do get it to a rolling boil for a while before drinking it though.
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In reply to Post #2 I can remember the days when guys used to use lake water for making tea and even the bottle of white in the margins cooling off seems too risky
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In reply to Post #1 Yep! It's amazing what you see when not tucked in behind a bivvy door. They have no fear on a lake I fish. There aren't many but the ones that do appear just stand and stare at you from a few feet away. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS use antibacterial gel on your hands. Especially if you're a smoker. Just keep up a routine of using it and shut your mouth when you reel in!
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after reading posts about rats and weils dieses, rabies, and all the other scum they carry, i was wondering if any else fishes rat infested lakes with open front brollys ????
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