Table of Contents
Job Overview
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Two-story, detached house
Problem: Rat activity in the interior and exterior of the property
Service: Rat treatment and exclusion
Visits: 3 visits
Summary
We attended a two-story detached house in Toronto after the homeowner reported rat activity both inside the home and around the exterior. Our inspection confirmed the activity and identified exterior gaps requiring exclusion.
Initial treatment included weighted tamper-resistant bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide on the exterior and commercial-grade baited snap traps in interior areas of high activity. After the homeowner approved the proposed exclusion work, approximately 30 feet of foundation gaps were secured with black rubber-coated galvanized steel mesh, and a one-way door was installed at the main entry point.
At the third visit, the homeowner reported no further rat activity. The completed exclusion was inspected and found to be effective and functional.
Background / Property Context
The property is a two-story detached house with an exterior wooden deck and accessible areas around the foundation. The supplied photographs document gaps around and below sections of the deck as well as the subsequent installation of exclusion mesh.
Exterior transitions involving foundations, decks, stairs, and adjoining structural components can require particular attention during a rodent inspection because concealed gaps may provide access to protected spaces around a building.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported rats both on the property and inside the house. Our initial service focused on confirming the reported activity, inspecting the structure for potential entry points, and establishing control measures in the areas where activity had been observed.
Because activity was occurring on both sides of the building envelope, the service included interior and exterior measures as well as a separate exclusion phase.
Inspection & Findings
During the first visit, Richard confirmed rat activity and inspected the property for possible access points. Foundation-level gaps were identified for exclusion, including areas associated with the exterior deck.
The photographs show openings along portions of the deck and adjoining structural areas before exclusion. They also document the installation of black mesh along deck edges, steps, foundation-level transitions, and confined exterior sections.
Cause Analysis
Rats can exploit gaps at foundation level and around exterior structures where building materials meet decks, stairs, or other adjoining components. These protected spaces can provide concealed travel routes and potential access toward the building interior.
In this case, the identified foundation gaps required physical exclusion in conjunction with the rodent treatment. Securing these openings addressed the structural access conditions documented during the inspection.
Treatment / Removal
During the first visit, our technician established an exterior treatment using large, weighted tamper-resistant bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide. Commercial-grade baited snap traps were also positioned inside the house in areas where higher activity had been identified.
The rodenticide portion of the service was performed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
The homeowner was also provided with the recommended scope for physical exclusion of the identified entry areas.
Exclusion & Repairs
At the second visit, the approved exclusion work was completed. A one-way door was installed at the main entry point, and approximately 30 feet of foundation gaps were sealed using black rubber-coated galvanized steel mesh.
The supplied photographs show the mesh mechanically secured along the lower edges and vertical faces of the wooden deck and around adjoining structural transitions. The exclusion extends through several sections where the deck meets the surrounding foundation and ground-level areas.
Outcome & Confirmation
At the third visit, the homeowner reported that they were no longer hearing or seeing rat activity. Our team checked the completed exclusion and found it effective and functional.
With no further activity reported and the exclusion remaining secure, the service outcome was confirmed at the final visit.
Technician Notes
Richard confirmed rat activity during the initial inspection and implemented both interior and exterior control measures. The subsequent exclusion addressed approximately 30 feet of identified foundation gaps, combining population control with physical prevention of access.
No service limitations were reported during the three visits.