Table of Contents
Job Overview
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Two-story, detached house
Problem: Reported rat activity in the interior and exterior
Service: Rat removal, exclusion, cleanup, and disinfection
Visits: 3
Summary
A homeowner in Toronto reported rat activity both inside and around a two-story detached house. Although no rats were observed inside during the initial inspection, our technician identified evidence consistent with the reported rodent issue and inspected the property for potential entry points.
The three-visit service combined exterior rodenticide treatment, interior trapping, structural exclusion, removal of affected drywall and insulation, HEPA-filtered cleanup, and disinfection. At the final visit, the homeowner reported no further activity, and the completed exclusion was checked and found to be effective and functional.
Background / Property Context
The inspection included the basement and exterior foundation areas. The basement contained a narrow concrete stair or crawlspace section with exposed framing and insulation overhead.
Inspection photographs also documented an exterior opening near the base of the structure. These areas were included in the assessment because openings at foundation level can provide rodents with access to protected interior voids.
Customer Concern
The homeowner had reported rats on the property and activity inside the house. Our team was asked to determine how the rodents could be accessing the structure and to address both the active problem and the conditions associated with it.
No rat was observed inside the home at the time of the initial inspection.
Inspection & Findings
Richard inspected the interior and exterior for evidence of activity and accessible entry points. The basement inspection documented exposed insulation and concealed areas around the framing and foundation.
An exterior gap was also documented near the base of the building. Based on the inspection findings, treatment was initiated and structural exclusion was recommended.
Cause Analysis
Rats can enter buildings through accessible openings at or near foundation level and then move through concealed basement or wall voids. The combination of an exterior opening and protected interior construction spaces provided conditions that required exclusion.
Closing the identified exterior access and addressing affected basement materials were therefore important components of the service.
Treatment / Removal
Our licensed exterminator performed the pest-control work in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
Large weighted, tamper-resistant bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide were installed on the exterior. Inside the house, commercial-grade baited snap traps were positioned in areas associated with the reported activity.
Exclusion & Repairs
After the homeowner approved the recommended work, our team proceeded with the exclusion and basement remediation.
Approximately 30 feet of drywall and insulation were removed to provide access to affected areas. Rodent droppings were removed using HEPA-filtered shop vacuuming, and the basement ceiling and other affected areas were treated with hospital-grade disinfectant.
The exterior entry area was physically excluded. The completion photograph documents secured screening installed along the lower portion of the structure to prevent continued access through the identified opening.
Outcome & Confirmation
At the third visit, the homeowner reported that rat activity was no longer being heard or observed.
Our team checked the completed exclusion and found it effective and functional. No further activity was reported at the conclusion of the three-visit service.
Technician Notes
Richard’s inspection covered both the reported interior activity and exterior access conditions. No rat was observed inside during the initial inspection, so the service was based on the reported activity, inspection evidence, and identified structural vulnerabilities rather than a direct interior sighting.
The combination of exterior population control, interior monitoring and trapping, structural exclusion, removal of affected building materials, HEPA-filtered cleanup, and disinfection addressed both the rodent issue and the affected basement areas.