Table of Contents
Job Overview
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Commercial property in a two-storey attached Victorian century building
Problem: Rat activity reported on both the exterior and interior
Service: Rat control and exclusion
Visits: 3
Summary
We addressed confirmed rat activity at a commercial property through a combination of licensed exterior baiting and comprehensive structural exclusion. After inspection and treatment, targeted sealing and crawlspace encapsulation were completed. A final follow-up confirmed no further interior activity.
Background / Property Context
The property is a commercial space within a century-old, attached Victorian structure. Older masonry, multiple utility penetrations, and a crawlspace created several potential entry points for rodents.
Customer Concern
The customer reported ongoing rat sightings and signs of activity both outside the building and inside the basement areas.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, active rat signs were observed along the exterior foundation and near utility penetrations. Gaps were noted at service line entries and along the foundation. The crawlspace perimeter and basement wall base showed vulnerabilities consistent with rodent entry.
Photos show galvanized steel mesh installed along foundation walls and crawlspace areas, mesh fastened into masonry, and sealed penetrations around pipes and vents. Additional images show previously open gaps at the foundation and under exterior deck areas prior to sealing.
Cause Analysis
The infestation was driven by accessible entry points common to older Victorian structures, including unsealed utility penetrations and foundation gaps. Ground-level access near the foundation and crawlspace allowed exterior rats to enter sheltered interior areas. Once inside, concealed wall and crawlspace voids provided travel routes.
Treatment / Removal
On the first visit, a licensed exterminator placed large, weighted, tamper-proof exterior bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide in areas of high exterior activity. All pest control work was completed in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines. The goal was to reduce the exterior population before structural sealing.
Exclusion & Repairs
After approval, exclusion work was completed on the second visit and included:
- Sealing one utility line penetration using caulking and galvanized steel mesh
- Crawlspace exclusion by encapsulating the perimeter with approximately 388 feet of galvanized steel mesh
- Sealing two additional exterior entry points with galvanized steel mesh
- Basement exclusion involving drywall removal, disinfection, and sealing the base of the wall behind the drywall with galvanized steel mesh
All materials were mechanically fastened and fitted to prevent future rodent access.
Outcome & Confirmation
On the third visit, the customer reported no further rat activity inside the building. Our team inspected all completed exclusion work and confirmed it remained intact. Exterior baiting was continued as a monitoring measure. No additional interior rodent issues were reported following completion.
Technician Notes
Dylan confirmed active rat pressure on the initial visit and implemented exterior population control prior to exclusion. Follow-up inspections verified that all identified entry points were properly sealed and that interior conditions remained clear of rodent activity.
This work was completed by our Toronto pest control team. For pest control inquiries in Toronto, contact 647-496-2211.