Job Overview
Location: Peterborough, Ontario
Structure: Two-story detached house with aluminum siding and lattice-style base
Problem: Ongoing rat activity inside the home and around the exterior
Service: Rat treatment
Visits: 6
Summary
We were contacted regarding a long-standing rat issue affecting both the interior and exterior of a detached residential property. Our team completed an initial treatment focused on eliminating active rats while preventing die-off inside wall cavities. Ongoing exterior monitoring and rebaiting were required due to sustained exterior pressure. Full structural exclusion was identified but declined, which resulted in the need for repeat treatment the following year.
Background / Property Context
The property is a two-story detached house with aluminum siding and a lattice-style base around the lower exterior. Several construction features and ground-level voids created concealed access points at the foundation, deck, and siding transitions. These conditions allowed rodents to move freely between the exterior and interior spaces.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported rat activity inside the house as well as visible activity around the exterior. The issue had been ongoing for over a year, with concerns about continued access and population pressure around the structure.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, active rat signs were confirmed both indoors and outdoors. Exterior inspection identified multiple potential entry points, including gaps beneath the front deck, openings at the foundation line, damaged or open siding transitions, and voids associated with the lattice base. Evidence consistent with rodent nesting activity was observed near the foundation. Elevated roofline and soffit areas also showed structural gaps that could allow wildlife access.
Cause Analysis
The rat activity was driven by multiple ground-level openings combined with shelter opportunities beneath the deck and lattice base. Older construction details and deteriorated materials created unsealed gaps at the foundation and siding. Ongoing exterior food and harbourage conditions supported a persistent rodent population around the home.
Treatment / Removal
All pest control work was performed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
On the initial visit, large commercial-grade snap traps were placed inside areas of high activity to eliminate rats while preventing deaths inside wall voids. On the exterior, large weighted, tamper-proof bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide were installed in strategic locations to address the larger exterior population. A rat one-way door was installed at the primary interior access point to allow rats to exit while preventing re-entry. Limited sealing was completed at active openings to support the treatment, but full exclusion was declined.
Exclusion & Repairs
A full exterior exclusion plan was identified, including deck trenching, weep vent insert installation, and comprehensive sealing of foundation, siding, and roofline gaps. Additional wildlife-related issues were noted at the soffit that would have required separate one-way door installation and exclusion work. These exclusion and repair services were offered but not completed.
Outcome & Confirmation
Following the initial treatment, interior rat activity was resolved. Exterior bait stations showed heavy feeding, confirming ongoing exterior pressure. Visits two through five consisted of scheduled returns to rebait and monitor exterior stations. One year later, due to the absence of completed exclusion work, renewed rat activity required a new interior and exterior treatment during visit six.
Technician Notes
Grant conducted the inspection and treatment across all visits. Exterior bait stations consistently showed high feeding levels during follow-up visits, indicating a sustained exterior population. No access limitations were encountered during service.
Contact is at 705-535-0854 if you have any rodent or pest issue you want resolved