for the last two months we've had pest control putting rat poison in holes in our garden, all the tunnels lead to our decking in the corner, but this am in my nice new raised bed there was a large hole, where worried it may have a large litter under the decking 
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Do you have any bird feeders nearby? I saw a rat last winter climb into the 'squirrel proof' peanut feeder outside our kitchen window in full daylight. I've had to stop feeding the birds.
What does your pest control officer advise?
We did have a bird feeder until like you we saw a rat climbing up our tree, so we thought by getting rid of it, the rat may go away, we then started seeing holes in the soil, we've never in six years had this problem
, the pest control said don't fill the holes in as he is putting poison bags in every two weeks but it's been going on for two months now 
I've always said that decking provides just what rats are looking for in terms of congenial housing - wouldn't have it in my garden - just asking for rats to move in - sorry
Christine Walkden thinks so too http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/features/countrynews/lateststory/970888.Rats_are_very_happy_under_your_decking/?ref=arc
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I had planned to put in a lot of decking but as we are in a rural area and rats are day to day thing, I thought it best in the end not to after the advice I got here.
I advocate shooting rats with a .22 rifle. It is quick, a better way for the rat to go than bait and one does not have to stop feeding the birds. Feed the birds more, drop plenty of it on the ground. The rats will be seen in broad daylight around the feeders and it is easy to deal with them.
If I did not take this approach we would be overrun by rats or constantly having to bait. Neither of which are really options I could live with. I also found that progressively over the years baiting was getting less and less effective. Always having to change brands and the problem would remain for weeks or months on end. Shooting them is instant, problem solved.
It is if you're a good shot Gemma. I'd probably hit my neighbour.
There isn't a long time period when shooting a rat to take the shot, so to be fair one does need to be up to scratch with it. I practice with paper targets, it gives me the confidence that I will make a clean shot and not make a mess of things.
They respond well to an air rifle pellet
In the sticks near Peterborough
I sounds daft but take a hosepipe and put it under the decking and leave it on overnight if you can. If rats are raising a litter they look for a dry environment, very wet conditions make them move the den. Then you can shoot em.
Good idea! Also giving the decking a bit of a hammering from time to time - gives 'em a headache
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
We have had this decking for Six years, it's only until two months ago it all started, but my neighbor will not stop feeding the birds plus there is a recycling business just down the road wich seems to attract a lot of seagulls when closed
I think I need a cannon!!, thanks guys for all your advice 