Hi madfoxlady
Unfortunately, rats seem to be a perennial problem. Just be aware that hogs have been caught in humane rat traps. Probably the best thing I can do is direct you to other exchanges about rats, where you might find something which helps.
https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/forums/topic/hedgehogs-and-rats/
https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/forums/topic/rats-2/
https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/forums/topic/rats-3/
https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/forums/topic/rats-4/
https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/forums/topic/rat-poison/
I’m not sure about the eucalyptus and peppermint oil. It might deter the hogs, as they rely on their sense of smell a lot, but I don’t recall anyone saying whether they worked or not. Although I think someone did mention mint plants.
Good luck. Hope you find something which works.
