Table of Contents
Job Overview
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Detached three-storey residential house with two exterior decks
Problem: Rat activity reported on both the exterior and interior of the home
Service: Rat control, exterior treatment, and structural exclusion
Visits: Three visits
Summary
We addressed ongoing rat activity at a detached residential property in Toronto involving both exterior and interior sightings. The service involved an initial inspection and exterior treatment, followed by structural exclusion work around deck areas and foundation zones, and a final confirmation visit to verify results. All rodent control work was performed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
Background / Property Context
The property is a multi-storey detached home with two deck structures connected to the rear and side elevations. Deck framing, soil contact points, and service line penetrations created concealed areas along the foundation that were difficult to visually monitor and prone to rodent access.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported repeated rat activity outside the home and signs of interior intrusion. Concerns included possible entry points below deck structures and along the foundation where visibility and access were limited.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, Richard confirmed active rat presence around the exterior perimeter and identified conditions consistent with rodent travel routes beneath both deck structures. Gaps were observed at ground level along the foundation, including areas where soil met wood framing and utility penetrations. These locations were consistent with likely entry points.
Cause Analysis
Rats were attracted to sheltered conditions created by the deck structures and the close proximity of soil to the foundation. Ground-level gaps and concealed voids provided protection from predators and weather, allowing rodents to travel and nest unnoticed. Once established outside, these access points increased the likelihood of interior entry.
Treatment / Removal
On the first visit, large weighted tamper-proof bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide were installed on the exterior in areas of confirmed activity to reduce the surrounding rat population. No interior rodenticides were used. Monitoring and population control were focused entirely on the exterior environment.
Exclusion & Repairs
On the second visit, the homeowner proceeded with the recommended exclusion work. Our team installed galvanized steel mesh screening along two separate deck areas. The mesh was trenched approximately one foot below grade and extended outward six inches to prevent burrowing, covering a total of approximately twenty-eight linear feet.
Two rat one-way doors were installed at identified entry points to allow any remaining rodents to exit while preventing re-entry. Mesh screening was secured to framing and foundation surfaces, including around utility penetrations, to create a continuous physical barrier.
Outcome & Confirmation
By the third visit, the homeowner reported no further rat activity inside the home. Richard inspected all exclusion areas and confirmed the integrity of the screening. Both rat one-way doors were removed after confirming no ongoing activity. The homeowner continued exterior bait station maintenance, and no interior rodent issues were reported following completion of the work.
Technician Notes
Photos show galvanized steel mesh installed beneath deck structures and along foundation walls, secured with fasteners and trenching into the soil. Images also show one-way rat doors positioned at ground-level access points and exterior areas excavated to allow proper mesh installation. Final photos confirm completed screening around utility lines and deck framing, with soil restored after installation.
This work was completed by our Toronto pest control team. For pest control inquiries in Toronto, contact 647-496-2211.