I get static here for preferring a more suburban type of neighborhood in Queens. I don't see rats.

My fig, apple and pear trees bear delicious fruit, and the low population density means less abundant food sources for vermin, and less vermin as a result. In addition, the owls from nearby parks scour the woods for critters. My cat helps to insure that mice don't come in.

My problem is birds eating my figs. I have it easy!