Goldenboll, //put a board down with a glue like substance on it, hardware or b&q sell it for catching rats / mice, put bacon in middle of it, rats love bacon !!!//
NO No No No!!!!!! do not use glue boards!!!! they are evil and nasty things, I have seen what happens when a rat get stuck to one of these devices. The rat had chewed off two legs and his tail to try to get away, there is absolutely no humanity in that, sickening!! Glue boards should be illegal!!
I would strongly advise not to use a terrier, I have also seen the aftermath from that, yes the terrier caught the rat, it then run around the lounge chewing and grinding the rat, tossing it and rolling around it, the terrier would not be caught until it had completely covered all furnishings with with rat blood.
Rats are not dirty actually, they do live in some unsavoury places I admit.
Starbuckone, Im not sure why you think it was illegal to shoot a rat, I have shot hundreds in peoples house (with an air pistol) there are circumstances where it is the best option.
Rats do not attack people or go for their throats, they never ever grow to the size of cats, not even half the size!!
They will run up your leg if you corner one, however it is highley unlikely you would ever be able to do that and they just see your leg as a means of escape.
I have walked into deserted chicken house and stores rooms and been confronted with literally thousands of rats, within a few seconds there isnt a rat to be seen.
I love rats, they are great creatures and a great part of our wildlife.