Yes, I was feeding the birds and squirrels up until last spring when I saw a couple rats on the bird feeder at night- fortuntely the feeder was a ways from the house, but I stopped when I saw that.
I think I will end up calling an exterminator soon, but right now $$$$ is a consideration since I was laid-off from my job a few months ago. I have periodocally (spellcheck) been letting my dog out to 'check it out' and hopefully they will get tired of her and move on.

Another thing I found out from the Health Dept. is that a rat can fit through a hole the diameter of a nickle........Ack!!!
Makes me cringe!

Thanks Logan and Spencer.