Table of Contents
Job Overview
Location: North York, Ontario
Structure: Detached two-story home with single garage
Problem: Rat activity reported on both exterior and interior of the home
Service: Rat control, raccoon exclusion, structural sealing
Visits: 2
Summary
We were contacted regarding active rat sightings both outside and inside the home. Activity was reported around the foundation and within finished basement areas. Upon inspection, we confirmed rat entry points and interior contamination. During the exterior assessment, raccoon denning activity was also identified beneath the deck structure.
A two-visit plan was completed involving population control and structural exclusion.
Structural Exclusion Video
This video showcases the interior part of the structural exclusion.
Background / Property Context
The property is a detached two-story dwelling with a finished basement and rear deck structure. The foundation perimeter included visible gaps at the base of exterior walls and around utility penetrations. The deck was enclosed at ground level with accessible void space beneath.
Several weep tile and sewer interface points were present along the foundation wall inside the basement. Wall vents and low-level exterior openings were accessible from grade.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported repeated rat sightings around the exterior foundation and within the basement. Droppings and noise within wall voids were noted. The concern included both active infestation and potential structural entry points allowing continued access.
Inspection & Findings
Technician Richard conducted a full interior and exterior inspection.
Exterior findings included:
• Gaps along approximately 24 linear feet of foundation
• Openings at deck base consistent with rodent access
• Unprotected wall vents
• Evidence of rodent travel paths along foundation walls
• Raccoon denning activity beneath the deck structure
Interior findings included:
• Rat droppings near framing and utility penetrations
• Structural drywall damage along lower wall sections
• Entry point at the junction where the weep tile meets the sewer system
• Active rodent movement within wall void areas
Photos show galvanized mesh installation along foundation lines, rat one-way doors positioned at deck-level entry points, interior drywall removal exposing framing, droppings in wall cavities, and protective vent cage installation. Interior snap trap placement and exterior tamper-resistant bait stations were also documented.
Cause Analysis
Rodent access occurred through unsealed foundation gaps and structural junctions at ground level. The deck void created a sheltered harborage area that supported both rodent and raccoon activity. Open vents and utility transition points provided direct access into wall cavities.
As temperatures fluctuate seasonally, rodents seek stable interior shelter, particularly when exterior populations increase. Structural vulnerabilities at grade level commonly allow this type of entry when not reinforced.
Treatment / Removal
All rodenticide applications were performed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
Visit 1 included:
• Installation of large weighted tamper-resistant bait stations on the exterior in high-activity areas
• Installation of large commercial-grade baited snap traps within the basement in active zones
• Installation of two rat one-way doors at the base of the deck
• Installation of two rat one-way doors at the interior weep tile/sewer junction
• Installation of one raccoon one-way door at the deck den entry
The raccoon exclusion was completed using a humane one-way door system allowing the animal to exit without re-entry.
Exclusion & Repairs
Exterior exclusion work included:
• Sealing approximately 24 feet of foundation gaps using mortar and galvanized steel mesh
• Securing three accessible wall vents with galvanized steel cages
• Reinforcing deck base entry points
Interior exclusion work included:
• Removal of four feet of damaged drywall
• Installation of galvanized steel mesh reinforcement at entry openings
• HEPA vacuuming of contaminated debris
• Disinfection of exposed cavity space
• Removal of compromised insulation
Photos show completed mesh reinforcement secured with mechanical fasteners and sealed transitions at vent openings.
Outcome & Confirmation
At Visit 2, the homeowner reported no further rat activity inside the home.
Richard re-inspected all exclusion areas. Both rat and raccoon one-way doors were removed after confirming no further movement. Exterior bait stations remained in place for continued population management.
No additional interior rodent activity has been reported since completion of the work. Structural exclusion remains intact and secured.
Technician Notes
Richard confirmed active rat movement at the initial visit and identified multiple structural vulnerabilities contributing to entry. Combined population control and full perimeter exclusion were necessary due to the scale of activity.
All one-way systems functioned as intended and were removed upon confirmation of resolution. Interior contamination was professionally cleaned and sealed to prevent recurrence.
This work was completed by our Toronto pest control team. For pest control inquiries in Toronto, contact 647-496-2211.