Hi sage and onion and welcome to WAB! Btw, what made you choose that handle? Was it a spur of the moment thing or something that came to you whilst cooking/eating Sunday roast?
You need start no other thread to get you going, you are talking about
rats; rats and cats are guaranteed to get the convo flowing here (don't let me down, folks!

)
Yup, you just have to admire rats, being highly successful and facinating creatures - but if they should threaten me or mine (animals included) I would have to look for ways to compete with them....Therefore, if they are feeling quite comfy in your garden in broad daylight, I'd say it's time you served them notice to quit.
D.