Quote Originally Posted by boxst View Post
....I don't mind rats particularly and have caught a few in humane cages, fed them and then released them miles away. ....
Get down to your local pet shop and ask for a Siberian Hamster. That will keep you happy. https://youtu.be/khoJsN3nNzM
Alternatively, befriend a local fox. These seem to sort out a rat problem.