Table of Contents
Job Overview
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Detached two-storey house with double garage
Problem: Rat activity reported on the exterior and interior of the home
Service: Rat control, interior treatment, and full exclusion
Visits: 2
Summary
We responded to reports of rat activity affecting both the exterior perimeter and interior areas of a detached residential property. Our team completed a licensed rodent control treatment followed by extensive structural exclusion. After confirming activity had stopped, all temporary devices were removed and the site was cleared with no further interior rodent issues reported.
Background / Property Context
The property is a detached two-storey home with multiple exterior features, including decking, steps, foundation transitions, and service penetrations. These features created several concealed voids and ground-level access points suitable for rodent entry and travel.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported ongoing rat activity both outside the home and within interior wall and utility areas. Concerns included visible droppings, noise, and repeated signs of rodent movement.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial visit, our technician confirmed active rat presence. Exterior inspection identified disturbed soil, gaps along deck edges, and foundation-level openings. Interior inspection revealed rodent droppings, disturbed insulation, and wall cavity access near plumbing and structural framing. Multiple primary and secondary entry points were identified.
Cause Analysis
Rats were accessing the structure through ground-level gaps created by decking, foundation transitions, and utility penetrations. Once inside, wall cavities and unfinished voids provided protected travel routes and nesting opportunities. Exterior environmental pressure from an established rodent population contributed to repeated entry attempts.
Treatment / Removal
All pest control work was completed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
Treatment included:
- Installation of large, weighted, tamper-proof exterior bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide in areas of high activity
- Placement of large commercial snap traps in interior high-activity zones
- Additional exterior rat treatment following exclusion work
- Disinfection of affected interior areas using a HEPA-filtered vacuum
- Exterior insect spray applied as part of site sanitation
Exclusion & Repairs
Following customer approval, comprehensive exclusion work was completed:
- Installation of multiple rat one-way doors at primary entry points
- Installation of raccoon/skunk one-way doors at larger exterior openings
- Installation of a raccoon baby one-way door where required
- Approximately 120 feet of deck exclusion and trenching using galvanized steel mesh
- An additional 21 feet of straight trench-and-mesh exclusion
- Fourteen feet of drywall removal to access interior voids, followed by galvanized steel mesh exclusion
- Exclusion of bathtub and plumbing voids using galvanized steel mesh
- Installation of additional exterior bait stations for ongoing exterior pressure management
All exclusion materials were mechanically fastened and integrated with existing structures to prevent re-entry.
Outcome & Confirmation
At the follow-up visit, the homeowner reported no further rat activity inside the home. Our technician inspected all exclusion areas and confirmed integrity. All rat one-way doors were removed, and no new activity was observed. The customer continued exterior maintenance treatments and has reported no interior rodent issues since completion.
Technician Notes
Richard confirmed active rat presence during the initial inspection and completed both treatment and extensive exclusion during the first visit. On the second visit, all exclusion was intact, activity had ceased, and temporary devices were safely removed.
This work was completed by our Toronto pest control team. For pest control inquiries in Toronto, contact 647-496-2211.