Help me get rid of a rat!!

[Smarshian]

We have just come home to find that a rat (we think!) has been in the kitchen cupboards and eating the cat food.
We have cleared out the cupboards and pulled off the skirting boards but think it is hiding in the void between the back of the cupboard/dishwasher and the wall.
Evidence of droppings and food trail. Any idea how to get rid? We can’t get to that void without ripping out the kitchen!

we had a rat problem in he house im living in, the downstairs bathroom floor was up as renovating. They were living under the drive and had managed to take a toilet brush down there.

Lots of poison was put down - and plenty of if on bread etc so they take it. Or get in a professional.

I didn't like them running over the conservatory I broad daylight

when we had mice it wasn't s easy as they bring the poison back and we weren't putting down enough - got in a professional and he got rid of them in a week but kept coming back to check - was about £125

but cheaper than rewiring etc

I'll bet it's mice but you still need rid. No such thing as a single rat - they're very sociable and excellent parents. Your local council should deal with rats as they carry nasty disease.

Throwing a half chewed, alive mouse out isn't humane.

We had a cat that bought live mice in. I used to pick them up and throw them out. Until it was a young rat. It bit me and I ended up at the walk in centre. They asked if I'd bought it with me! I got a tetanus shot but only after they looked through the book to see what they should do.
Snap traps are good. Instant death for the dirty little sods. Chocolate spread works well as does peanut butter.

@campion

I'll bet it's mice but you still need rid. No such thing as a single rat - they're very sociable and excellent parents. Your local council should deal with rats as they carry nasty disease.

Throwing a half chewed, alive mouse out isn't humane.

Exactly. There is never just a rat. I'd get the professionals out.

Get one of those firms that deal with vermin. Its the only way IMHO.

It could be more than one but fairly sure by the size of droppings that it’s rat(s), shudder!
Will try the council tomorrow (they aren’t answering today as it’s bank holiday)