Wow... Where to start. Think there is more then one, could only see shadows outside the camera's focus. Either one very active rat, or several. need a better mount, the one I'm using was for a cheaper (well cost more, quality...) camera. The CS mount lens is fine for close up, just found a better one to swap, and cover more area. Still can't find my tripod, maybe my brother borrowed, never used it much since I went digital.
The rat avoids the zapper. Really need to go solar, a 'C' size battery only lasts for two nights. Should put the zapper in a waterproof box, but kind of need to upgrade, definitely not doing any good.
I like all animals, but they need to stay where they belong. The problem with the neighbor, and his cats, is over population. I live in town, and his property is good for maybe 4-5 cats. He keeps 2-3 times that many (takes in any strays), and they spill over, mostly using my property as a toilet or breeding ground. Hard to tell the difference between fighting and mating... Personally, I prefer a Siamese, the females are better pets, but expensive to get fixed, which is must (real pain when the go into heat). Really hadn't meant to stir up so much trouble, been posting my various schemes and circuits for dealing with my neighbors cats for the past couple of years.
Wild rats, yes I think they need to die. They are use to the city life, and catching them live, and releasing them on somebody else isn't right. They will do costly damage to a home. They breed very quickly. Pretty sure, mine came from the construction on the property other side of the cat guy's. It's a torn up mess in progress for almost 4 years now, and they just start working on it again about two weeks ago (same as the start of my problems).
Going to get some spring traps and poison packs this weekend for indoors, and away from anywhere the dog can get to. Just to make sure they stay outside, if it going to be an invasion.
Still want to build a better zapper, but I need something I can move around easier. Instead of wire, I'm going to try a platform with bait (hot lunch).