If rats can't find food or water, they are less likely to stay. How To Get Rid of Rats - Busy Bins

Use chew-proof materials like stainless steel mesh (1/4-inch), steel wool (packed tightly with caulk), or concrete. Avoid using only expanding foam, as rats can chew through it.

Install metal door sweeps, cover vents with mesh, and seal gaps around utility lines and pipes. 3. Sanitation (Remove Survival Resources)

Rats can squeeze through gaps as small as 0.5 inches (about the size of a quarter). Check around pipes, vents, door sweeps, and rooflines. 2. Exclusion (Proofing Your Home)

Sealing entry points is the most essential long-term step to prevent a comeback.