How do you get rid of rats?

Over and over again board bills have notes at the bottom, "Make sure you remove all trash from the property. It will give the rats less to munch on;" "Take home your blankets, it will keep the rats from snacking;" etc.
I have a great idea of how to get rid of rats. When you spill oats in my tack room clean them up instead of leaving them all over the floor. I know that the rats are enjoying these as tasty treats because I found the husks on top of my saddle next to the rat droppings. THANKS.