Table of Contents
Job Overview
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Two-story detached house
Problem: Rat activity reported inside and outside the home
Service: Rat removal and structural exclusion
Visits: 3
Summary
We completed a three-visit rat removal project for a detached home in Toronto after the homeowner reported rat activity both inside the house and around the exterior. Our licensed exterminator, Richard, confirmed active rodent activity during the initial inspection and implemented an integrated treatment plan. The work included exterior rodent control, interior trapping, installation of a one-way door beneath the deck, and extensive structural exclusion to prevent rats from re-entering the crawlspace.
Background / Property Context
The property featured an elevated deck with an accessible crawlspace beneath it. Inspection determined that the area beneath the deck provided a sheltered environment where rats could travel and gain access under the structure. The open perimeter and foundation gaps required comprehensive exclusion to eliminate entry opportunities.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported hearing and seeing rat activity both inside the home and around the property. Their primary concern was preventing continued rodent access beneath the house while addressing the active infestation.
Inspection & Findings
Richard completed a thorough inspection of both the interior and exterior of the property.
The inspection identified:
- Active rat activity around the property.
- Evidence of rodent activity beneath the deck.
- Primary entry beneath the deck leading into the crawlspace.
- Multiple accessible openings around the deck perimeter requiring exclusion.
The photographs show galvanized steel mesh installed throughout the crawlspace and beneath the deck perimeter, exclusion mesh secured around structural supports and foundation sections, an exterior monitoring trap positioned near the deck, and tamper-resistant bait stations used during the monitoring process.
Cause Analysis
Rats commonly establish travel routes beneath elevated decks where the soil remains protected and structural openings are available. Crawlspaces provide sheltered conditions that allow rodents to move beneath a home while remaining concealed. Permanently screening accessible openings with galvanized steel mesh significantly reduces the opportunity for future entry.
Treatment / Removal
During the initial visit, Richard confirmed the infestation and implemented rodent control measures.
Work completed included:
- Complete inspection of the interior and exterior.
- Installation of large weighted tamper-resistant exterior bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide.
- Placement of large commercial-grade baited snap traps in interior areas showing rodent activity.
- Identification of the primary entry point beneath the deck.
- Preparation of an exclusion plan.
All rodenticide applications were performed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
Exclusion & Repairs
Following customer approval, we completed permanent exclusion during the second visit.
Work included:
- Installation of approximately forty-eight feet of galvanized steel mesh exclusion beneath the deck to secure the crawlspace perimeter.
- Installation of a rat one-way door at the primary entry point beneath the deck, allowing remaining rodents to exit while preventing re-entry.
Outcome & Confirmation
During the third visit, the homeowner reported that no further rat activity had been heard or observed. We removed the one-way door after confirming activity had ceased and permanently sealed the final entry point. A final inspection confirmed the exclusion system remained secure and functional, and the homeowner was pleased with the completed service.
Technician Notes
Richard completed the inspection, treatment, exclusion, and final follow-up over three visits. This project combined active rodent control with extensive crawlspace exclusion beneath the deck to eliminate access routes and provide a long-term solution for the property.