We have had an increase in the number of calls for rats, normally the cold winters help keep the number under control. This year the winter was not to bad and as a result more rats survived and that mean more breeding pairs. You will need to check your home for entry points, these are normally gaps around pipes, broken vents, or holes close to the ground. Its better to spend a bit of time addressing these holes rather than trying to get rid of a rat in your home.