Actor James Cagney appeared in 40 movies, many about gangsters and G-men, but contrary to common belief, he never uttered the phrase ?you dirty rat.? However, if you start hearing the pitter-patter of tiny feet overhead, it's something you might find yourself uttering. When cold weather forces rats and mice into your territory, you can try rubbing them out with traps and poison. But odds are that more will just take their place unless you find out how and where they're getting in. Look for openings around pipes, rotted wood, gaps under doors or spaces between shingles that let them into walls and up to attics. They don't need much space; even missing mortar between bricks allows entry. Use caulk, mortar and wadded-up steelwool to seal all openings. Then check often until you're sure they're gone. Always close garbage cans, seal up food scraps and don't leave pet food out. It's a fact: every year rodents eat more pet food than pets do. And that's the On The House tip for today.