Table of Contents
Job Overview
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Detached three-storey Victorian century home
Problem: Rat activity reported on both the exterior and interior of the home
Service: Rat control and structural exclusion
Visits: Three visits
Summary
We were contacted regarding ongoing rat activity affecting both the exterior perimeter and interior spaces of a tall, older Victorian home. Our team completed a staged approach involving inspection, interior and exterior control measures, followed by full exclusion and confirmation. All pest control work was completed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
Background / Property Context
The property is a detached, three-storey Victorian-era home with a stone foundation, framed floor system, and multiple utility penetrations. Due to the age of the structure, several concealed voids and transitional areas between foundation, framing, and services were present.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported repeated sightings and signs of rats both outside the home and within interior areas. Activity was described as ongoing, with concerns about continued access points and contamination inside wall and crawlspace areas.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, active rat signs were confirmed both outside and inside the structure. Evidence included disturbed soil near the foundation, debris accumulation, and interior activity consistent with rodent movement through lower wall and crawlspace areas.
Photos from the crawlspace and foundation areas show gaps at the base of walls, utility penetrations, and areas with nesting material and debris buildup. Several openings appeared large enough to allow rat entry, particularly along foundation transitions and behind framing members.
Cause Analysis
Older Victorian homes often have multiple construction transitions and aging materials that can create access points for rodents. Ground-level foundation gaps, utility penetrations, and voids behind walls provided suitable entry opportunities. Once established, exterior rat populations were able to move between outdoor harborages and interior wall or crawlspace spaces.
Treatment / Removal
Visit 1:
Our technician, Richard, confirmed active rat presence. Large weighted tamper-resistant bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide were installed around the exterior in areas of high activity to address the outdoor population. Inside the home, large commercial-grade baited snap traps were placed in interior areas showing active use. An exterior exclusion inspection was completed, and entry points were identified for sealing.
Visit 2:
Following customer approval, exclusion work began. A rat one-way door was installed at the primary entry location to allow remaining rodents to exit without re-entry. Galvanized steel mesh was installed along the base of walls and extended approximately eight feet across identified vulnerable areas. Contaminated insulation was removed, along with affected drywall sections, to access and secure hidden voids. HEPA vacuuming and disinfection were performed in treated areas to address debris and contamination.
Exclusion & Repairs
Galvanized steel mesh was mechanically fastened along foundation and wall base areas, including around framing members and penetrations. Photos show mesh screening secured with fasteners and washers to prevent displacement. Utility and vent-adjacent openings were reinforced, and previous access gaps were fully sealed to prevent re-entry.
Outcome & Confirmation
Visit 3:
The homeowner reported no further rat activity inside the home. A follow-up inspection confirmed that exclusion materials remained intact and secure. The rat one-way door was removed after confirming no continued activity. Exterior control measures remained in place, and no interior rodent issues have been reported since completion.
Technician Notes
The combination of exterior population control and full structural exclusion resolved interior rat access. All identified entry points were addressed, and treated areas showed no signs of renewed activity at final inspection.
This work was completed by our Toronto pest control team. For pest control inquiries in Toronto, contact 647-496-2211.