Rats have recently discovered our compost heap, tunneling in overnight to get at the veg scraps.
I have taken to violently ramming a fork thru the compost daily, although this only got one.
My cat came in the house with one he had caught, and let it go. I managed to chase it into a small box with a broom. Box was placed in the garden and resized with a spade. Cats have also taken care of 2 more.
Havent seen them around for a while.
I didnt want the council involved as i dont want our cats eating poisened rat.