arrggh rats!!

:evil:
spotted a rat that's nesting under my shed the other day,returned to my allotment today and the rats have demolished all my seedlings/seeds that were potted up in my cold frame !!
does anyone know what they're likely to eat? eg are all my crops going to be vulnerable ?
apparently i can hire a trap from our allotment site,but i'm away on hols now for a week so it'll have to wait.
However, after searching for killing methods i read about putting down dried rice as they are unable to digest this,i put down 3 lots but i know what canny creatures they are !  i am unable to put down poison as my 2 dogs occasionally spend time on the allotment.  i don't like killing creatures but feel that my hands are tied with this

Where in lancs are you charlwood, if you dont mind me asking
(or just tell me to 's*d off for being a nosy begger!)