[Jeff Higgins]

I get the impression that you live in a neighborhood, i.e. with neighbors relatively close by. It sounds like your neighbors have been complaining of rat problems as well. This is not just your rat problem, it is a neighborhood rat problem.

There are two kinds of neighbors that contribute to this problem. You have already pointed out one kind - the ones who leave food out for pets or for wildlife. The other kind is you - the kind that provides them a sanctuary in which to live. We have had both kinds in our neighborhood, and the rat problems their behaviors engender. I have had no patience for either and, over the years, have had a few "come to Jesus" discussions with them concerning our shared rat problem.

In short - you owe it to your neighbors to eradicate these vermin from your property. That means killing them. With a vengeance. There are plenty of "pet safe" poisons available - get some and use it until they are gone. Tell your neighbors to do the same, and to quit leaving food out.

The only thing that will rid your property, and your neighborhood of these things is a concerted, cooperative effort from everyone. Don't give them a place to hide - don't be "that guy".

I don't care if you love animals. I do as well. That is not at issue here. You have a responsibility to your neighbors. If you are not up to meeting that responsibility, you have no business living in a neighborhood wherein these kinds of decisions affect others.

Sorry to come on so strong, but this really is the bottom line. They will make neighborhood pets sick. They will make neighborhood kids sick. They love to chew on wiring, with far to many structural fires started in that manner. They simply create too many problems to be able to live with us in harmony. Sorry, that's just the way it is.

Kill them. You have no choice. Then leave poison out, because wherever they came from they will continue to multiply and, eventually, come back to you. This is not a "take care of the problem and forget about it" situation. This is an "and on" situation, where you will need to remain attentive and vigilant. Again, I'm sorry, I know you don't want to hear any of this. Just another one of the many things that suck about "wearing the big boy pants".