It's all pretty good advice.
Mine would be to rat-proof your home. Doesn't matter whats runnin around outside, if it can't get in. It can be an involved and tedious process, but once it's done, it's DONE & maintenance (disposal-, poison-, anti-freeze-free!).
Use 1/4 or 1/2" inch hardware cloth.
And if your uncertain about what to do - hire a control professional that specializes in exclusion.
Cheers,
L