Trellises and ivy running up a house are favorite pathways for so-called roof rats, who nest in attics or under curved roof tiles. Block entrances . Look for any gaps a half-inch wide or wider where pipes, vents or utility lines enter your house, and seal them with cement. Make sure any louvered attic vents are covered with wire hardware cloth. Skip the cheese .
Clever rats can swipe a chunk of cheese quickly without getting caught in a trap.
A better bait is peanut butter, which takes time to eat, or a piece of bacon securely tied to the trap's trigger. Don't bother with electronic repellents . Poisons, traps and cages are more effective. Don't feed them . Rats need to eat at least one-tenth of their body weight every day.