Table of Contents
Job Overview
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Semidetached two-storey centre home
Problem: Rat activity reported on the exterior and interior
Service: Rat control and exclusion
Visits: 3
Summary
We addressed reported rat activity affecting both the exterior and interior of a semidetached two-storey home in Toronto. The work involved exterior population control, a detailed exclusion program targeting multiple entry points, and follow-up confirmation. All pest control work involving rodenticide was completed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
Background / Property Context
The home is a centre-unit semidetached property with a stone foundation, siding transitions, roofline intersections, and exterior features such as a deck and downspouts. These construction details can create concealed gaps at grade and along structural joints if not fully sealed.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported ongoing rat activity outside the structure and signs of rodents inside the home, prompting a request for inspection, treatment, and recommendations to prevent re-entry.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, active rat sign was confirmed along the exterior perimeter. Multiple potential entry points were observed at the foundation, wall penetrations, siding seams, and roofline.
Photos show areas beneath a deck with exposed screening, foundation-grade transitions with visible gaps, an unprotected wall vent, and roofline intersections where wildlife hardware was later installed. Evidence was consistent with repeated rodent access from ground level to structural openings.
Cause Analysis
Rats were able to access the structure due to gaps at the stone foundation, utility and vent penetrations, and numerous small siding openings. Ground-level soil contact and deck-adjacent areas provided concealed travel routes. Over time, these features allowed exterior activity to translate into interior access.
Treatment / Removal
Visit 1:
Technician Richard confirmed active rat presence. Large, weighted, tamper-resistant bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide were installed on the exterior in areas of high activity to reduce the exterior population. A full exterior exclusion inspection was completed and documented. The homeowner elected to defer exclusion work at that time.
Visit 2:
The homeowner proceeded with the recommended exclusion program. Work completed included:
- Installation of two rat one-way doors at identified entry points
- Installation of one galvanized steel wall vent cover
- Sealing of multiple gaps in the stone foundation using mortar
- Installation of a squirrel one-way door at the roofline
- Sealing of 104 siding gaps using flashing
Photos from this visit show galvanized mesh and flashing secured along the foundation edge, formed one-way doors at grade, a protected wall vent, and roofline hardware installed flush to the structure.
Exclusion & Repairs
All exclusion materials were mechanically fastened and integrated to follow the contours of the foundation, siding, and roofline. Foundation gaps were filled with mortar prior to screening where applicable. Flashing was used to close small but numerous siding openings that could allow rodent entry.
Outcome & Confirmation
The homeowner reported no further rat activity inside the home. Richard inspected all exclusion work, confirmed integrity, and removed both rat one-way doors. Exterior baiting continued as a preventative measure. No additional interior rodent issues were reported following completion of the work.
Technician Notes
This case required a combination of population control and extensive exclusion due to the number of small access points. Once structural gaps were sealed and one-way doors removed after confirmation, interior activity resolved.
This work was completed by our Toronto pest control team. For pest control inquiries in Toronto, contact 647-496-2211.