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, identified evidence of rodent activity and several structural deficiencies that could allow rats to enter concealed areas beneath the bathroom and wall cavities. The project included exterior baiting, interior monitoring, targeted demolition to access hidden pathways, sanitation, structural exclusion, and a final confirmation visit.
Background / Property Context
The home contained several vulnerable areas that could provide rodents with sheltered travel routes. Inspection identified foundation gaps, concealed spaces beneath the bathtub, and wall cavities containing disturbed insulation and rodent droppings. Access behind finished bathroom surfaces prevented complete exclusion until portions of the interior finishes were removed.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported rat activity around the exterior of the property and concerns that rodents had entered the home. They wanted the infestation addressed and any structural entry points permanently secured.
Inspection & Findings
Richard completed a detailed inspection of the accessible interior and exterior of the property.
The inspection identified:
- Rat activity around the exterior of the home.
- Rodent droppings within concealed wall and floor cavities.
- Disturbed insulation beneath the bathroom area.
- Structural openings allowing access beneath the bathtub.
- Foundation gaps requiring permanent exclusion.
The photographs show visible rodent droppings within insulation, disturbed building materials inside concealed cavities, sections of bathroom finishes removed to expose hidden spaces, thermal imaging used during the inspection process, foundation-level inspection areas, and completed exterior flashing and exclusion work where accessible openings were secured.
Cause Analysis
Rats frequently enter homes through deteriorated foundations and concealed structural gaps before travelling through wall cavities and plumbing chases. Areas beneath bathtubs and behind finished walls provide protected movement routes that are difficult to inspect without limited demolition. Permanently sealing these access points after treatment helps prevent future rodent entry.
Treatment / Removal
During the first visit, Richard confirmed rodent activity and implemented control measures to reduce the active population.
Work completed included:
- Full interior and exterior inspection.
- Placement of large weighted tamper-resistant exterior bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide.
- Installation of large commercial-grade baited snap traps within interior areas showing rodent activity.
- Identification and documentation of primary structural entry points.
- 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
After approval, we completed structural exclusion during the second visit.
Work included:
- Sealing approximately fifteen feet of foundation gaps using galvanized steel mesh with mortar or concrete where required.
- Removal of tile, wood paneling, drywall, and contaminated insulation to access concealed rodent pathways.
- Cleaning and disinfection of the exposed wall cavity following insulation removal.
- Installation of galvanized steel mesh beneath the bathtub to prevent future rodent access into concealed interior spaces.
Outcome & Confirmation
During the third visit, the homeowner reported that no further rat activity had been heard or observed. We inspected all completed exclusion work and confirmed that the repaired areas remained secure and functioning as intended. No additional rodent activity was reported, and the homeowner was satisfied with the completed service.
Technician Notes
Richard completed the inspection, treatment, exclusion, and follow-up over three visits. This project required both active rat control and targeted structural repairs to secure concealed access points beneath the bathroom and along the home’s foundation, reducing the likelihood of future rodent entry.