[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

OK, dear friends, I have the answer to "The Villages Rat Problem" if there is really such a problem. Every home should have a Rat Terrier or some similar dog, such as a Jack Russell Terrier. These, active, feisty little dogs are (literally) death on rats. Don't deceive yourselves that a cat will do.
Protect your garage, which cannot be sealed against entry by rodents, snakes, etc., by putting out rat poison or sticky traps, at your option. I prefer sticky traps. The poison or traps must be positioned so your dogs cannot get to them.
A trap in the attic, if you have access, would be a good idea as well. This is the most likely place that you might have a rat problem.

Good idea to get a dog. Bad idea to take dog to a Shelter when the rats are gone.
Don't get a dog because you have rats -- you have to love animals, dogs are a lot of work.
Sticky traps are inhumane and horrible.
No-one wants rats invading their home, the professionals use bait boxes. Good idea about the attic.