How do I get rid of wharf rats?

So welcome Vera! At this time of year the birds have more options to forage on their own. In a few weeks the rats will have moved to greener pastures and you can try feeding the birds again. My girlfriend placed 12" concrete pavers around her feeders and she swept up every night and took the feeders in. She said it did help. You might try that too.

I have 3 dogs, 6 of the laziest semi feral cats on the planet, the neighbor has 3 dogs and you think that would be enough to scare off the pests. My one dog Bailey, a Doberman / terrier mix at about 30 pounds is like a bloodhound and the best mouser. She runs them off and occasionally kills whatever she is hunting, but even she likes to sleep, so I have to do the rest on my own. Good luck!