Table of Contents
Job Overview
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Tall detached two-story house
Problem: Rat activity reported on both the exterior and interior
Service: Rat control and exclusion
Visits: Two visits
Summary
Our team addressed confirmed rat activity affecting both the exterior perimeter and interior of a detached residential property. The work combined exterior rodent control with structural exclusion to eliminate access points and prevent re-entry. Follow-up confirmed successful resolution with no further interior activity reported.
Background / Property Context
The property is a tall, two-story detached house with multiple foundation transitions, deck attachments, and exterior gaps along the lower structure. These conditions can create concealed access points at ground level if not properly sealed.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported seeing rats outside the home and signs of rodent activity inside. The concern included ongoing movement and evidence of entry along the foundation.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial visit, our technician confirmed active rat presence around the exterior perimeter. Inspection identified gaps along the foundation and deck interface consistent with rodent entry points. Interior evidence aligned with exterior access rather than an isolated indoor nesting issue.
Cause Analysis
Rats commonly exploit foundation gaps and deck attachment points to access shelter and food sources. Ground-level openings along masonry or beneath decks provide concealed entry routes, particularly on taller homes with extended exterior features. Once established outside, repeated access can lead to interior intrusion.
Treatment / Removal
Exterior rodent control was performed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines. Large, weighted tamper-resistant bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide were installed in exterior areas showing high activity to address the outside population. Interior contamination was addressed using HEPA vacuuming and disinfection where droppings were present.
Exclusion & Repairs
The customer approved exclusion work during the first visit. This included the installation of a rat one-way door at a front foundation gap to allow active rodents to exit without re-entry. Approximately eighteen feet of deck perimeter was screened using galvanized steel mesh. An additional four feet of foundation gaps were sealed using steel mesh or mortar where appropriate. All materials were mechanically fastened to resist displacement.
Photos from the work show galvanized mesh secured along foundation lines, deck edges, and corner transitions, as well as tools and fasteners used during installation. A temporary one-way door is visible at a foundation opening during the exclusion phase.
Outcome & Confirmation
At the second visit, the homeowner reported no further rat activity inside the home. Our technician inspected all exclusion work and confirmed it remained intact. Both rat one-way doors were removed after activity had ceased. Exterior monitoring and treatment continued, with no subsequent interior rodent issues reported following completion of the work.
Technician Notes
The work was completed over two visits by technician Richard. Initial findings confirmed active exterior pressure with defined entry points. Follow-up inspection verified exclusion effectiveness and successful resolution of interior concerns.
This work was completed by our Toronto pest control team. For pest control inquiries in Toronto, contact 647-496-2211.