The key question is what kind of rat do you have? We have packrats – the females only have 4 titties and only 2 – 4 litters per year. The Norway rat has many more of each. And, you have to clean out the nest or rats will find it and return to it.

Inside, a 50/50 solution of PineSol removes the rat trail scent so they will lose the trail they’ve laid.

I wish you the best of luck. Our dogs have killed at least 6 this summer, and I’ve Victor trapped about the same (use peanut butter).

Don’t bother calling vector control unless you’re able to tell them that maybe one of the rats looked sick, like maybe, could it be rabid?

We called VC last year for a possum and were counseled to view it as if it were a bunny and live with it.

The feral cats plan sounds like a good one long-term: we saw a group in santa cruz that was installing “barn cats” in people’s yards.

Maybe you could advertise on craig’s list and all the dog people with ratters could hold a competition in your yard. you’d have to charge them a registration fee.

(okay maybe i’m just being too silly now)

Good luck with the varmint!

I’m sorry the dog didn’t work out (useless beast!). Have you called Kevin the Scourge of Squirrels?

Good luck; keep us posted.