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 basement and around the exterior of the property. Our licensed exterminator, Richard, confirmed active rodent activity, implemented a comprehensive treatment program, and completed extensive structural exclusion work. The project also included sanitation of contaminated areas and permanent repairs to prevent future rodent entry.
Background / Property Context
The property contained several vulnerable areas where rats had gained access to the structure, including foundation gaps, wall vents, and concealed openings behind basement drywall and shelving. Evidence of rodent activity was also present within insulated wall cavities, requiring targeted access for inspection and exclusion.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported rat activity both inside the home and around the exterior of the property. Their objective was to eliminate the infestation, prevent additional rodents from entering the structure, and restore the affected basement areas.
Inspection & Findings
Richard completed a detailed inspection of the interior and exterior.
The inspection identified:
- Active rat activity on the property.
- Rat droppings and contamination behind basement shelving and within concealed wall spaces.
- Multiple structural entry points requiring exclusion.
- Accessible wall vents that required protective screening.
- Interior and exterior entry locations suitable for one-way door installation.
The photographs show rodent droppings within insulation and concealed wall areas, galvanized steel mesh installed behind removed drywall, foundation exclusion secured with galvanized mesh and mechanical fasteners, protective cages installed over exterior wall vents, and one-way doors installed at identified entry points during the removal process.
Cause Analysis
Rats can enter homes through small gaps at foundation level, utility penetrations, and damaged exterior openings. Once inside, concealed wall cavities and unfinished utility spaces provide protected travel routes and nesting areas. Permanently sealing these structural openings with galvanized steel mesh and screening vulnerable vents helps prevent future rodent access.
Treatment / Removal
During the initial visit, Richard confirmed the infestation and completed rodent control measures throughout the property.
Work completed included:
- Full interior and exterior inspection.
- Installation of large weighted tamper-resistant bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide around the exterior.
- Placement of large commercial-grade baited snap traps in areas showing interior activity.
- Identification of primary interior and exterior entry points.
- Preparation of a detailed 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, extensive exclusion work was completed during the second visit.
The work included:
- Installation of two rat one-way doors at interior and exterior entry points.
- Installation of galvanized steel cages over four wall vents.
- Approximately eighteen feet of structural exclusion using galvanized steel mesh to secure the exterior extension, including the exterior one-way door installation.
- Removal of approximately twenty-four feet of drywall and shelving to access concealed rodent travel routes.
- Installation of galvanized steel mesh behind the opened wall sections to permanently block interior access points.
- HEPA-filtered vacuuming of contaminated insulation and rodent droppings from the affected areas.
- Disinfection of the exposed basement areas using a hospital-grade disinfectant fogging treatment.
Outcome & Confirmation
During the third visit, the homeowner reported that no further rat activity had been heard or observed. Both one-way doors were removed after confirming the infestation had been resolved, and the final entry points were permanently sealed. A follow-up inspection confirmed that the exclusion work remained secure and effective, and the homeowner was satisfied with the completed service.
Technician Notes
Richard completed all inspections, treatment, exclusion work, sanitation, and follow-up over three scheduled visits. The project combined active rodent control with extensive structural repairs and sanitation to eliminate existing activity while significantly reducing the likelihood of future rodent entry.