Rodent Control

[Brian]

Now I'm not very fond of rats - mice I can manage but rats will never be on my list of favourite furry creatures, but after an event there's a fair chance these flea-ridden, stinking, disease carriers will be doing all they can to strike-up a close relationship with all humans, dead and alive.
Broken sewers, ample rotting flesh, sanitary waste and God knows what else will provide a breeding ground for a rodent explosion.
What can we do about it if like me you are not too fond of rodents?
The common options of poisoning, gassing, trapping, shooting, use of cat or dog with the exception of the latter are unlikely to be practical long-term solutions although there is a certain pleasure in giving Mr.ratty the good news with a .22 pellet or a good helping of number 8 shot.
So perhaps it comes down to keeping a dog (all cats will be in the pot in no time) for long-term practical control?
Brian