Table of Contents
Job Overview
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Tall detached two-storey house
Problem: Rat activity reported on both the exterior and interior of the home
Service: Rat control, exclusion, and contaminated material removal
Visits: 3
Summary
We were contacted regarding ongoing rat activity affecting both the exterior perimeter and interior basement of a detached home in Toronto. Our team confirmed active rodent presence, implemented a licensed exterior control program, and completed a staged exclusion and remediation plan. Follow-up confirmed successful removal and no further interior activity.
Background / Property Context
The property is a tall, detached two-storey house with an unfinished basement and older foundation features. Exterior foundation transitions, utility penetrations, and drainage components were present, creating multiple potential entry points for rodents.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported repeated sightings and signs of rats outside the home and within the basement. Concerns included ongoing activity, contamination, and the risk of continued entry if access points were not addressed.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, active rat signs were confirmed on the exterior perimeter, including travel paths near the foundation. Inside the basement, rodent feces, disturbed gravel, and staining consistent with repeated activity were observed. Open or compromised foundation gaps, a drain opening, and service penetrations were identified as likely entry routes.
Photos from the inspection documented:
- Exterior rodent control equipment prepared for perimeter placement
- Basement areas with disturbed and contaminated gravel
- Openings around plumbing and drain penetrations
- Foundation gaps requiring screening and sealing
Cause Analysis
Rats were attracted to the property due to accessible shelter opportunities along the foundation and unprotected utility and drainage openings. The age and construction style of the home allowed small gaps at grade and below-grade levels, which rats were able to exploit. Once established outside, repeated access led to interior entry and nesting activity in the basement substrate.
Treatment / Removal
On the first visit, a licensed exterminator placed large, weighted, tamper-proof bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide around the exterior perimeter in areas of high activity. This work was completed in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines to reduce the exterior rat population prior to exclusion.
Interior activity was monitored while exterior control measures were established. No interior rodenticides were applied.
Exclusion & Repairs
After approval, exclusion work was completed on the second visit and included:
- Installation of a rat one-way door at a primary exterior entry point
- Drain exclusion using galvanized steel mesh combined with a rat one-way door
- Sealing approximately five feet of foundation gaps using steel mesh and mortar
- Removal of approximately 15 square feet of rodent-contaminated gravel from the basement, with material safely removed and disposed of offsite
Galvanized steel screening was mechanically fastened along the foundation wall to block access while maintaining structural integrity around plumbing and gas components.
Outcome & Confirmation
On the third visit, the homeowner reported no further rat activity inside the home. Our team inspected all exclusion areas and confirmed they remained intact. Both rat one-way doors were removed after successful exclusion and confirmation of no re-entry. Exterior bait stations remained in place as part of the ongoing exterior control program. No interior rodent activity has been reported since completion.
Technician Notes
Richard conducted the inspection, exterior control setup, and follow-up verification. All work was completed with attention to existing utilities and foundation conditions, and exclusion materials were selected for durability in a basement environment.
This work was completed by our Toronto pest control team. For pest control inquiries in Toronto, contact 647-496-2211.