We feed the birds (the squirrels, the chipmunks &, occasionally, the raccoons & opposums). We have a few wood rats that live under the deck, who eat the food that the birds drop. The rats are shy &, as far as I can tell, have made no attempts to enter the house. They are our least welcome guests, but don't really seem to do any harm. Thanks, Little Hawk, for speaking on their behalf. I'm always a bit embarrassed to admit to having rat guests, but am not willing to stop feeding the other furred & feathered folk. Here's a photo
I took of one of the little guys this winter. Sometimes, watchful tolerance is a good policy.

best,

Barbara