Actor James Cagney appeared in 40 movies, many about gangsters and G-men. But, contrary to popular belief, he never uttered the phrase ?You dirty rat.? It is, however, something you might find yourself muttering if cold weather has rats and mice muscling in on your territory. You can try rubbing them out with traps and poison, but odds are more will just take their place. You need to 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 allow them into walls and up to attics. They don't need much space; even missing mortar between bricks allows entry. Use caulk, mortar and wads of steel wool to seal all openings, then check periodically until you're certain they're gone. Always close garbage cans, seal up food scraps and don't leave pet food out. Every year rodents eat more pet food than pets do. And that's the On The House tip for today.