Oh, we fight with raccoons all the time here. And skunks and squirrels and mice. No rats, though.
I used to live trap the mice that made their way into the house but after a few years I gave up the humane approach. They just keep coming back. They know when they have a good thing going.
My old cat Trixie used to bring mice INTO the house and release them. Stupid old cow. Now, the new cat Ridley dispatches them without muss and fuss. He finds them in the basement, I pick him up, mouse and all and let him play out in the enclosed porch. Next morning, a mouse to dispose of.
It used to be a bloody affair, but I think he figured if it doesn't move anymore, it's no fun.
I know it's heartless, but sometimes you get desensitized by things. My neighbour Uncle Bob had no qualms about putting down dogs, cats, pigs and cows if they weren't useful anymore.
I still feel bad for that poor rat.