Table of Contents
Job Overview
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Large two-storey attached Victorian brick house
Problem: Rats reported inside the home
Service: Rat control and monitoring
Visits: 2
Summary
We responded to reports of rat activity inside a large attached Victorian home in Toronto. Activity was confirmed on multiple interior levels, with the highest concentration in the basement. Our team completed a two-visit treatment program focused on resolving interior activity while reducing exterior pressure around the structure.
Background / Property Context
The property is a large, older attached Victorian with red brick construction. As with many homes of this age, there are multiple foundation transitions, service penetrations, and concealed voids that can support rodent movement even when obvious entry points are not visible.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported active rats inside the house, including the basement and other interior areas. The primary concern was stopping interior activity and preventing rodents from dying inside wall cavities.
Inspection & Findings
Our technician, Richard, completed a full interior and exterior inspection during the initial visit. Interior signs of rat activity were confirmed. Exterior inspection focused on foundation lines, vents, plumbing penetrations, deck areas, and roofline transitions. No active structural entry points were definitively identified at the time of inspection.
Photos from the visit show:
- Foundation gaps and mortar transitions at ground level
- Plumbing and utility penetrations at the foundation
- Exterior wall vent areas
- Roofline screening installations and repaired openings
- Interior and exterior rodent control equipment staged and deployed
Cause Analysis
In dense urban environments like Toronto, rat activity is often driven by exterior population pressure combined with aging building construction. Older brick homes commonly have multiple concealed gaps, soil-level transitions, and shared structural pathways that allow rodents to access interior voids without a single obvious entry hole. Seasonal conditions and nearby food sources can further increase pressure on attached structures.
Treatment / Removal
All pest control work was performed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
Visit 1:
- Installed large commercial-grade baited snap traps inside areas of highest activity to prevent rodents from dying within wall voids
- Deployed large, weighted, tamper-resistant exterior bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide to address the surrounding rat population
- Completed a detailed exterior inspection for entry points
- Provided an exclusion quote on site; the homeowner elected to complete most exclusion work independently
Visit 2:
- Returned following reports of additional activity
- Rebaited and serviced all exterior bait stations
- Verified that interior rat activity had ceased
Exclusion & Repairs
There were many entry ways found on the exterior and interior of the house. The homeowner completed most exclusion work independently following recommendations. Exterior screening and sealing visible in photos reflects areas addressed to reduce future access opportunities.
Outcome & Confirmation
Following the second visit and station maintenance, interior rat activity was resolved. No further interior signs were reported, and monitoring confirmed the treatment successfully controlled the issue within the home.
Technician Notes
This case required balancing interior control with exterior population management due to the age and construction style of the property. Using interior snap traps helped avoid secondary issues inside walls, while exterior baiting reduced pressure on the structure. Continued monitoring and exclusion remain important for long-term prevention in attached urban homes.
Contact us at 647-496-2211 if you have any rodent or pest issues on your property.