You might try a Havahart trap. In some counties, Animal Control rents the traps to homeowners on a weekly basis. If some desirable animal (or bird) becomes trapped, you can let them go. I use the traps to catch and relocate squirrels & chipmunks. I occasionally find a bird and O'possum in them, which I release. I don't have a problem with rats, mice & voles, since there are numerous cats in my neighborhood and often Owls and Hawks pay a visit.
Rb

Here is a link that might be useful: Havahart

That small Havahart I think I saw at Home Depot Landscape for 30 something dollars. The one off 85 in Duluth

Rats will live where there is a food supply. Any food supply. Get rid of all the outdoor food of any kind. Make sure nothing can get in your garbage cans. It might be a good idea to keep the garbage inside until trash day. You'll also need to make sure they are not getting food at any of your neighbors' yards. They can easily live in your yard and eat out at the neighbors'.

We have rats in our neighbors driveway because the people next to them have the trashiest sidewalk area always full of foodstuffs. I have been using this new pellet that will not harm pets or transmit 3rd party poisons. I got it at my local Ace hardware, although I suspect that most hardware stores will carry it. Do It Yourself pest control also has great products for rat issues.

GGG

I just searched all forums for 'rats' and found more postings than I could read. Most recommend poison. None mentioned Shake Away. One suggested cayenne pepper in the birdseed. Lots of suggestions for cats and dogs - and some lengthy posts about outdoor cats. I believe I will have to continually work on this problem and not expect to resolve it completely. Too many rats for traps, live or otherwise, and I don't want to deal with any caught rats. No more postings about rats from me unless I find a sure-fire solution - NOT LIKELY!!!