We have lived in the Pacific Northwest for slightly less than a year and although I’d heard about rats, I’d never seen one. Today I frightened one in the garden shed by our compost bins. I’m inclined to let it go because we haven’t seen any evidence that they’re in the house or garage but I thought I’d check and see what other’s experience has been.
Hello Melody and yes, rats make me jump when I see them, which however is rare because they are so discreet.
Mine live in a compost heap over winter, for warmth and not causing problems in house or shed.
They they leave in spring, so for now at least that works for me. To have a rat free property is not easy, better to coexist if they stay outside.