Table of Contents
Job Overview
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Semi-attached two-story house with a second floor built out of the roof
Problem: Exterior rat activity reported; no interior activity observed
Service: Rats exterior and interior treatment with exterior exclusion
Visits: Six visits
Summary
We responded to a report of rat activity occurring around the exterior of a semi-attached residential property. Our team completed a full exterior inspection, installed tamper-resistant bait stations in high-activity areas, and later completed exclusion work beneath the back deck and front porch. Follow-up visits confirmed declining activity and eventual resolution.
Background / Property Context
The property is a semi-attached, two-story house with exterior features that include a back deck and front porch. These structures created concealed ground-level voids adjacent to the foundation, which can provide shelter and travel routes for rodents when left unprotected.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported seeing rats around the exterior of the house. There were no reports of rodents inside the living space at the time of service, but the concern was preventing escalation into the structure.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial visit, our technician conducted a full exterior inspection to identify potential entry points and harborage areas. Activity was noted beneath the back deck and the front porch. No confirmed interior entry points or interior rodent signs were observed.
Photos from the inspection show disturbed soil, debris accumulation, and exposed voids along the foundation line and beneath exterior structures. Some images also show ducting, framing, and ground conditions consistent with rodent travel paths.
Cause Analysis
Rats were attracted to sheltered areas beneath the deck and porch, where soil access and cover were present along the foundation perimeter. These locations provided protection from weather and predators while allowing movement along the exterior of the structure. Without physical barriers, these voids can support ongoing exterior rodent activity.
Treatment / Removal
On the first visit, we placed large, weighted, tamper-resistant bait stations around the exterior in areas of highest activity. All pest control work was performed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines. Stations were monitored and rebaited as required over subsequent visits based on reported and observed activity.
Exclusion & Repairs
Following approval, exclusion work was completed at the back deck and front porch. This involved excavating a trench approximately one foot deep and six inches wide around the exposed perimeter. Galvanized steel mesh was installed around the full perimeter and buried into the ground to prevent rodents from accessing these areas in the future. The exclusion was completed to create a continuous underground barrier.
Outcome & Confirmation
During follow-up visits, exterior activity declined, and bait stations were maintained as needed. By the final visit, no further rat activity was observed on the property. The exclusion work was inspected and confirmed intact, and no additional rodent or wildlife activity has been reported since completion.
Technician Notes
Richard completed the initial inspection, treatment setup, and coordinated the exclusion process. No access or safety limitations were encountered during the visits. All work areas were accessible, and conditions allowed for proper installation and follow-up monitoring.
Contact us at 647-496-2211 if you have any rodent or pest issues on your property.