have a fought a battle with a MAJOR rat infestation for three years... I get the pain. And I just caught another the other day so ... I'm trying NOT to be worried that they are back. Keep your feed well cleaned up. Only feed to critters enough that they clean it up. STRONG wire on everything. And be creative with your trapping methods. Mousetrap Mondays with Shawn Woods on youtube is VERY helpful. As is a good bat and excellent aim.