Table of Contents
Job Overview
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Attached two-story Victorian century home
Problem: Interior scratching sounds and visible rat activity on the exterior
Service: Rats exterior and interior treatment
Visits: 2
Summary
The customer reported ongoing rat activity inside the walls and throughout the exterior of the property. Our team attended the site to confirm activity, identify contributing factors, and implement an interior and exterior rat control program. Due to the age of the structure and surrounding conditions, activity was widespread. Treatment was completed over two visits, resulting in confirmed resolution of the issue.
Background / Property Context
The property is an attached, two-story Victorian-era home with an aging exterior envelope and shared structural elements typical of century homes in Toronto. Winter conditions were present at the time of service, with snow cover along the foundation and surrounding yard areas.
Customer Concern
The customer reported scratching noises within the walls and had observed rats on the property exterior. Concerns included ongoing interior activity and the risk of rats entering wall voids or other concealed areas of the home.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, our technician identified clear signs of rat activity around the exterior of the property. Snow cover limited visibility in some areas but also revealed distinct rat burrowing patterns along the foundation. Multiple potential entry points were observed at ground level, including openings at the foundation line and around utility and vent penetrations.
Interior inspection confirmed conditions suitable for rodent movement within wall cavities, though no active nesting was observed inside living spaces at the time of the visit.
Cause Analysis
The rat activity was attributed to ground-level access points along the foundation and service penetrations, combined with the age and construction style of the building. Winter conditions likely increased pressure on rodents to seek shelter and food sources indoors. Shared walls and legacy construction details common to Victorian homes can allow rodents to travel between exterior and interior spaces if exclusion is incomplete.
Treatment / Removal
This service was performed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
On the exterior, large weighted tamper-resistant bait stations were installed in areas of highest observed activity to reduce the rat population on the property.
On the interior, commercial-grade baited snap traps were strategically placed as a preventative measure. This approach was used to reduce the risk of rats dying within wall voids, which can lead to persistent odours from decomposition and urine.
Exclusion & Repairs
The initial visit included a full assessment for exclusion requirements. However, the customer was a tenant, and approval for exclusion work was required from the property owner. A quote and findings were provided to the landlord, who initially declined to proceed with exclusion through our team. Exclusion work was later completed by a separate contractor arranged by the landlord.
Outcome & Confirmation
At the second visit, exterior bait stations were serviced and rebaited due to continued short-term activity. No new interior activity was reported, and subsequent inspection found no further signs of active rat presence on the property. Following population control and third-party exclusion work, the issue was considered resolved, with no additional activity reported.
Technician Notes
Richard conducted both visits, completing the inspection, treatment setup, and follow-up service. Winter conditions did not prevent treatment, and snow cover assisted in identifying exterior burrowing patterns. No access or safety limitations were encountered during either visit.
Contact us at 647-496-2211 if you have any rodent or pest issues on your property.