How can I deter rats from entering my back yard?

My neighbour isn't the cleanest of people and he tends to leave rubbish in his back yard. I have seen rats in his back yard numerous times and told him, but nothing has been done. This morning I saw a rat in my back yard and this worries me as I have two children who play out there. Could anybody suggest a child-friendly way to deter rats from entering my back yard?How can I deter rats from entering my back yard?
Put up a sign warning rats to stay out.





Or they will be shot.How can I deter rats from entering my back yard?
You can't keep them out. You need to reduce the population. I prefer the old fashioned spring loaded trap, because a cat or owl could eat a poisoned rat.





An occasional rat isn't a huge health threat, but you need to reduce the population to the point where you very seldom see them.





You can get a cat or rat terrier. These can be extremely effective. The terrier will dig, the cat only hunts when it wants to. Either way, get them all their shots and train them with feeder rats from the pet store.
I'd definitely be taking action against my neighbour if they were like that.





In the meantime, there's a high-tech gadget - a Dazer [1]. I've not used one, but I have read several books by globe-trotting cyclist Josie Dew [2] who carries the hand-held one on her handlebars - stuff has to really work to earn a place in her kit.
Get some sulfur and sprinkle it around the perimeter. Rats don't like the smell.
I've heard peppermint oil can sometimes repel mice/ rats.
rats are an H%26amp;S issue, contact your H%26amp;S office or call the pest control from your local council. they should sor it, or advise you.





Or yu can get a cat.
Talk to your local health inspector.