Table of Contents
Job Overview
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Two-story detached house
Problem: Rat activity around the exterior of the home with previous reports of interior activity
Service: Rat removal and structural exclusion
Visits: 3
Summary
We completed a three-visit rat removal and exclusion project at a two-story detached home in Toronto after the homeowner reported rat activity around the property and previous activity inside the home. Our licensed exterminator, Richard, confirmed active exterior entry points but found no active rat activity inside the home during the inspection. The project focused on humane one-way exclusion, exterior rodent control, and permanent structural protection along the foundation where the deck met the house.
Background / Property Context
The home featured a raised wooden deck attached directly to the rear of the house. The inspection identified gaps where the deck framing met the foundation and exterior wall, creating concealed travel routes for rats. Because much of the foundation was inaccessible beneath the deck surface, sections of the deck had to be opened to complete the exclusion work.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported rat activity on the property and was concerned that rodents could continue accessing the home through concealed openings around the foundation and deck. Although no active interior infestation was found during the inspection, permanent prevention was requested.
Inspection & Findings
Richard completed a detailed inspection of both the exterior and accessible interior areas.
Inspection identified:
- Active rat entry points beneath the attached deck.
- Gaps where the foundation met the deck framing.
- Evidence of burrowing along the foundation.
- No active rat activity inside the home during the inspection.
The photographs show openings beneath the deck, exposed framing after deck boards were removed, galvanized steel mesh installed along the foundation, a rat one-way door positioned over the primary entry point, and completed exclusion work before the deck surface was reassembled. Additional images show exterior wall areas inspected for potential access points.
Cause Analysis
Rats commonly exploit concealed gaps beneath attached decks where the structure meets the home’s foundation. These protected areas allow rodents to burrow and travel unseen while accessing small structural openings. Installing underground galvanized steel mesh combined with permanent exclusion helps eliminate these access routes and reduces the likelihood of future infestations.
Treatment / Removal
During the initial visit, Richard confirmed active exterior rat activity and implemented a treatment program.
Work included:
- Complete inspection to locate active entry points.
- Placement of large weighted tamper-resistant exterior bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide.
- Identification of the primary entry points requiring structural exclusion.
- Preparation of a detailed exclusion plan for homeowner approval.
All rodenticide applications were performed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
Exclusion & Repairs
After approval, we returned to complete the exclusion work.
Repairs included:
- Installation of a rat one-way door over the primary entry point.
- Approximately 45 feet of trenching along the foundation where the deck met the house.
- Installation of galvanized steel mesh beneath the trench to prevent future burrowing beneath the foundation and deck.
- Exterior rat treatment while the exclusion system remained in place.
- Inspection of surrounding exterior openings before restoring the work area.
Outcome & Confirmation
During the final visit, the homeowner reported no further rat activity or noises around the property. The one-way door was removed, the primary entry point was permanently sealed, and the completed exclusion system was inspected. No further activity was reported following completion of the work.
Technician Notes
Richard completed the inspection, treatment, exclusion, and final confirmation over three visits. Because the primary access route was concealed beneath the attached deck, portions of the deck were temporarily opened to install galvanized steel mesh continuously along the foundation. Monitoring confirmed the exclusion was successful before the one-way door was removed and the final opening permanently sealed.