Job Overview
Location: Grafton, Ontario
Structure: Two-story detached house
Problem: Rat activity reported around the property and concerns about interior activity
Service: Rat removal, monitoring, and exclusion
Visits: 3
Summary
We completed a three-visit rat control program at a detached home in Grafton after the homeowner reported rat activity around the exterior of the property and concerns about activity inside the home. Technician Grant confirmed evidence of rats on the property, completed an interior and exterior inspection, installed commercial monitoring and treatment equipment, and identified several potential entry points requiring exclusion. Following approval, exclusion work was completed, and the final visit confirmed that rat activity had ceased before the remaining temporary devices were removed and entry points permanently sealed.
Background / Property Context
The homeowner reported seeing rat activity around the property and was concerned that rodents had gained access to the home. A full inspection of both the interior and exterior was completed to determine whether rats were actively occupying the structure and to identify potential access points.
Customer Concern
The homeowner wanted the rat activity eliminated and requested a long-term solution that addressed both the rodents and the structural openings allowing access.
Inspection & Findings
Grant completed a comprehensive inspection of the property. Although evidence of rat activity was identified around the exterior, no active rat activity was found inside the living areas during the inspection.
Several conditions requiring attention were identified, including vulnerable wall vent openings, gaps around sections of siding, and additional exterior openings that could allow rodents to enter the structure.
The photographs show:
- Rodent droppings within an exterior monitoring station.
- An exterior wall vent with an opening suitable for rodent entry.
- A one-way door installed over the primary entry point.
- Gaps around exterior siding and structural junctions.
- Interior commercial snap traps positioned in a utility area.
- Galvanized steel vent protection installed over an exterior wall vent.
- Exterior conditions and monitoring locations around the property.
Cause Analysis
Rats commonly exploit gaps around wall vents, siding, utility penetrations, and other structural openings when searching for shelter. Exterior food sources, cover, and accessible entry points can support continued activity unless both population reduction and structural exclusion are completed together.
Treatment / Removal
During the first visit, Grant confirmed rat activity around the property and implemented an integrated rodent management program.
Treatment included:
- Placement of large tamper-resistant exterior bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide.
- Installation of large commercial-grade baited snap traps in appropriate interior monitoring locations.
- Full inspection to identify potential rodent entry points.
- Preparation of an exclusion plan for permanent repairs.
All rodenticide applications were performed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
Exclusion & Repairs
After the homeowner approved the recommended exclusion work, our team completed permanent structural repairs during the second visit.
Work included:
- Installation of a one-way door over the primary wall vent entry point.
- Sealing multiple siding gaps using aluminum flashing.
- Installation of two additional tamper-resistant exterior bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide.
- Installation of galvanized steel protection over vulnerable exterior vent openings.
During the third visit, the one-way door was removed after confirming rats were no longer using the entry point, and the remaining opening was permanently sealed.
Outcome & Confirmation
At the final visit, the homeowner reported no further noises or signs of rat activity. We confirmed that activity had ceased, removed the temporary one-way door, completed the permanent exclusion work, inspected the repaired areas, and verified that the home was properly secured against future rodent entry.
Technician Notes
Grant confirmed exterior rat activity while finding no active infestation inside the home during the initial inspection. A combination of commercial monitoring equipment, exterior bait stations, structural exclusion, and permanent repairs was used to address the identified access points. The final inspection confirmed that rat activity had ended and that all exclusion work had been successfully completed.