Latest news with #JackRussellterriers
South Wales Argus
21-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Experts shares tips to avoid rat attack in homes and gardens
While you might not want them taking up residence in your space, they're very good at finding a spot to settle in. Rats and mice can be an expensive problem to have, especially if they cause damage to things like electrical wires. They can also spread diseases that can cause liver and kidney damage, salmonella and more, which can be fatal, according to Bunk Beds. Rats will be attracted to the smell of food (Image: Getty) How to avoid a 'rat attack' - tips for keeping rodents out of your house and garden The experts at the company have shared their tips for keeping rats out of your home and avoiding a 'rat attack' this winter. Start with the garden Rats can smell food from over 2km away and will travel long distances to find a food source if they need to so if you have any food thrown in your bins then you need to make sure they are secured with tight-fitting lids so you don't attract them. Store your bins away from your home if you can because rats and other rodents are scavengers and if you can keep your bin away from your house walls you will reduce the risk of attracting unwanted pests. Use natural predators if possible Natural predators like cats or owls are a great way to keep rodents away and some dog breeds such as Jack Russell terriers can also be effective deterrents. Installing owl boxes in your garden can encourage these hunters to take up residence in your garden and keep the rodent population to a minimum. If you don't want animals in your garden, you can use decoy predator scents that can be bought online. These scents can deter rats as well as a wide range of animals like moles, voles, mice, squirrels and even skunks. Natural deterrents If using synthetic predator scents isn't something you want to try then using natural-smelling spices or oils could be the next best option, the experts suggest. Strong-smelling spices like cayenne pepper or garlic cloves can be sprinkled around the entry points of your home. These scents are strong and can burn a rodent's nose as they are so sensitive to smells. You can also wipe any surfaces in your home with vinegar as it removes the food odour that may attract them in the first place. Adding spices around your home or natural oils such as peppermint or cinnamon oil can work but they are only a temporary fix. For something more permanent consider planting rodent-repelling plants such as mint, lavender or marigolds around your garden perimeter to create a natural barrier. Native wild animals in the UK Work with your neighbours A rodent infestation in your house or garden might not be down to your actions at all. Rodents can spread from one property to another so if you can get your neighbours onboard, you can minimise your chances of a rodent infestation. Organising your community to clean up shared places such as alleys or parks can reduce the debris which rodents love. If you notice your neighbour's bins aren't secured, you could let them know to create a safer and healthier living environment. Adeel from Bunk Beds, said: 'Rodents are dirty and carry nasty diseases and the last thing you want is to invite these creatures into your home. Rats and other rodents can also be expensive to get rid of too. 'Traps and baits can cost hundreds of pounds and there is no guarantee that it will get rid of the problem either.' Adeel added: 'If you don't get rid of your rodent problem quickly it can become near impossible to fix, a female rat can have up to 13 babies in a litter and can have anywhere from 3 - 12 litters in a year. 'Rats can also reach sexual maturity after 9 weeks so a population of 2 rats can exponentially grow to over 1,200 in a year. 'It's far better to prevent a rat infestation than to try and remove one.' Recommended reading: How to report a rat problem If you have a rat infestation or problem with any other pest, the government website encourages you to get in touch with your council to see if they provide pest control services to get rid of rats. You can enter your postcode and the website will match the postcode to a council and direct you to their website for more information. Once you have the contact details, you will need to report your issue with the relevant council. They should be able to point you in the right direction with solving your issue.
Malaysian Reserve
16-06-2025
- Science
- Malaysian Reserve
Detector Dogs: Agriculture's Best Friend
MISSION, Kan., June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — (Family Features) They may be cute, fluffy and friendly, but some dogs also have an important job: protecting America's food supply. By deploying specially trained beagles, Labrador retrievers and Jack Russell terriers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Services' (APHIS) Detector Dog Program puts elite canines to work on the front lines at international airports, mail facilities and border crossings throughout the nation. These furry sleuths maneuver between passengers and luggage to search, locate and respond to the presence of banned fruits, plants and meats that may harbor damaging insects and diseases that threaten the country's agricultural production and natural resources. The program was started in 1984 and soon grew in demand. By 2009, APHIS opened a 17-acre National Detector Dog Training Center near the Atlanta International Airport. At the center, dogs and their handlers go through an 8-10-week training program to learn how to inspect passenger luggage and handbags for agricultural goods such as fruits, vegetables, beef and pork. Detector dogs patrol ports of entry, borders and airports to keep harmful pests, like invasive fruit flies, out of the country. For example, labrador retrievers and their handlers protect the nation's fruit by patrolling citrus orchards along the Texas–Mexico border in search of infested or diseased crops. Safeguarding U.S. agriculture and natural resources is part of the program's mission, but APHIS' Detector Dog Program also partners with countries like Canada and Taiwan to supply guidance, training and testing of canine detection. There are even detector dog teams on the job at cargo airports throughout countries in the Pacific, tasked with identifying invasive species and stopping them from reaching Hawaii. The work these dogs and their handlers do is critical to help stop the spread of invasive plant and animal pests and diseases that could ravage America's agriculture. A detector dog's career spans 6-8 years before they retire at 9 years old. At retirement age, 90% of dogs are adopted by their handler. In the rare case they are not, the handler will recommend a good home and a successful adoption program ensures all dogs are well placed. Constantly on the lookout for new pups, APHIS works closely with animal shelters, rescue groups and private individuals to find the right dogs for the job from anywhere in the country. New recruits are 1-3 years old, heartworm negative, have high food drive and are environmentally and socially friendly. The ideal candidate is often that high-energy, hard-to-handle pooch who simply needs a job and a purpose. If you or someone you know would like to help the program grow its squad of super sniffers, email usdacanineadoptions@ call (887) 797-3899 or learn more at Content courtesy of USDA Michael Frenchmfrench@ About Family Features Editorial SyndicateA leading source for high-quality food, lifestyle and home and garden content, Family Features provides readers with topically and seasonally relevant tips, takeaways, information, recipes, videos, infographics and more. Find additional articles and information at and
Newsweek
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Heartbreak at Face of Shelter Dog Realizing He's Going Back to His Kennel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A 1-year-old Australian cattle dog went viral after a shelter volunteer shared his reaction upon realizing his outdoor adventure was over and he was going back in his kennel. Little did he know that same clip would change his life. The viral TikTok video shared in April under the username @juliesaraceno2 shows Miso, who at the time was staying at the Benton-Franklin Humane Society in Kennewick, Washington, looking sad as he realizes he is not going home yet. "The moment shelter dog Miso realized the adventure was over and we were going back to his kennel" reads layover text in the clip. Saraceno told Newsweek that the "very smart and sweet" puppy was found as a stray and then transferred to the shelter where he was patiently waiting for someone willing to deal with how intelligent and high-energy he is. Screenshots of the viral clip show Miso smiling for the camera at the shelter. Screenshots of the viral clip show Miso smiling for the camera at the shelter. @juliesaraceno2 Thankfully, after the clip went viral, receiving over 667,000 views and more than 102,000 likes on the platform, it didn't take him long to find his very own human. Saraceno said: "He was adopted after someone saw his shelter dog adventure video. She drove four hours from Portland just to take him home." Adopting a pet is an incredibly rewarding experience that will give you the best friend you will ever have, but how should you go about choosing your pup? When selecting a dog for yourself or your family, size, activity level, temperament, and breed characteristics are all factors you should consider before making your final decision, according to MSD Veterinary Manual. Large dogs, such as golden retrievers, and active ones like Jack Russell terriers, need lots of room to run and play. Border collies must have something to do all the time or they will become bored. Many small dog breeds require a lot of exercise and attention, and may not be able to tolerate the rough play of young children. If you are undecided about which dog breed is best for your needs, you can speak to a veterinarian or a dog behavior expert to make a more-informed decision. Users in the comments also fell in love with the pup's cute little face and his playful demeanor. One user, Kel Anne, commented: "See this is why I couldn't take a dog for a day, my heart would SHATTER taking them back." Karla_Smm added: "My heart can't take this. Please someone adopt this precious baby." Mamastreets posted: "Aw he thought he found his forever. I am sobbing!" Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
