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 and around the property. During the initial inspection, our licensed exterminator, Richard, confirmed signs of rodent activity and identified several structural entry points requiring permanent repairs. The project included exterior treatment, interior trapping, structural exclusion, sanitation work, and a final confirmation visit after activity had ceased.
Background / Property Context
The property contained several structural openings that could provide rats with access into concealed areas of the home. Inspection identified deteriorated foundation gaps, openings around wall vents, concealed spaces beneath plumbing fixtures, and accessible voids behind finished walls that required exclusion to prevent continued rodent entry.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported seeing rats around the exterior of the property and hearing activity within the home. They wanted the infestation addressed and the entry points permanently sealed to reduce the likelihood of future infestations.
Inspection & Findings
Richard completed a thorough inspection of the accessible interior and exterior areas of the property.
The inspection identified:
- Evidence of rat activity inside and around the home.
- Multiple foundation gaps requiring structural repairs.
- Openings around exterior wall vents.
- Accessible voids behind finished walls and beneath the bathtub.
- Interior travel routes within the furnace room.
The photographs show deteriorated masonry with visible gaps, interior exclusion work using galvanized steel mesh, structural repairs around concealed openings, protective cages installed over wall vents, interior snap trap placement in monitoring locations, and completed exclusion work after repairs.
Cause Analysis
Rats commonly exploit deteriorated masonry, damaged foundations, utility penetrations, and wall voids to gain access into buildings. Once inside, concealed structural cavities provide protected travel routes between nesting and feeding areas. Permanently sealing these access points while treating active rodent activity helps prevent continued entry.
Treatment / Removal
During the first visit, Richard confirmed rat activity and implemented both exterior and interior control measures.
Work completed included:
- Comprehensive inspection to identify active travel routes and entry points.
- Placement of large weighted tamper-resistant exterior bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide.
- Installation of large commercial-grade baited snap traps in interior areas with confirmed activity.
- Preparation of a quotation for permanent exclusion work.
All rodenticide applications were performed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
Exclusion & Repairs
Following approval, we completed extensive structural exclusion work during the second visit.
Repairs included:
- Installation of an interior rat one-way door at the primary entry point.
- Sealing approximately fifteen feet of foundation gaps using galvanized steel mesh with mortar or concrete.
- Installation of galvanized steel exclusion cages over three exterior wall vents.
- Removal of approximately six feet of drywall to access concealed rodent pathways.
- Removal of contaminated insulation and disinfection of the affected wall cavity before repairs.
- Installation of galvanized steel mesh beneath the bathtub and within the furnace room to secure concealed access points.
Outcome & Confirmation
During the third visit, the homeowner reported that no further rat activity had been heard or observed. The interior one-way door was removed after confirming that activity had ceased, and the remaining opening was permanently sealed. A final inspection confirmed that the completed exclusion work remained secure and no additional activity was reported. The homeowner was pleased with the completed service.
Technician Notes
Richard completed the inspection, treatment, structural repairs, sanitation work, and final confirmation over three visits. The project combined professional rat removal with permanent exclusion measures targeting foundation defects, wall vents, concealed wall cavities, and interior structural openings to reduce the risk of future rodent entry.