Hi! Having had rat issue, I can tell you that they can climb, chew through wood, and easily climb vertically between two parallel pieces of wood like two flat,sheer boards inches apart then jump up about 2-3 feet airborne from there. If there is any poop, you have rats. Check all places for holes as anything bigger than an inch or two, they can squeeze through-like a snake disengages its jaw to swallow large prey- rats can squeeze themselves through holes! Also look for holes/tunnels anywhere within your yard. If one is there then you could have a series of tunnels connecting underground. Rats need water, food, and shelter. They will eat cardboard,glue, insulating foam, wood, compost, dog poop, really anything. And they do chew through plastic tubs. My trash cans demonstrate that fact! They can jump vertically about 3' high depending on their size. This info. is based on experience with the large sewer type rats. We used the rat traps that are black,oval shaped with a red hole in the center for baiting. They are killed and don't escape like the old fashioned spring traps. Hope this helps?!
