Job Overview
Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Structure: Small detached house with brick and siding, including a front balcony
Problem: Rat activity reported on the exterior and noises heard within wall cavities
Service: Rat treatment
Visits: Five
Summary
Our team completed a five-visit rat treatment program focused on reducing exterior rat pressure and preventing interior wall deaths. Tamper-proof exterior bait stations with commercial-grade rodenticide were installed and serviced across multiple visits, alongside interior snap trapping. Entry point sealing was inspected and quoted but not performed as part of this service.
Background / Property Context
The property is a small detached home constructed with a combination of brick and siding. Ground-level masonry, exterior siding transitions, and areas beneath the front balcony presented typical vulnerability points for rodent activity.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported rat activity outdoors and ongoing sounds within the walls, raising concern about active rodents accessing interior voids.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial visit, our technician inspected the exterior perimeter and interior utility areas for signs of rat activity and potential access points. Exterior conditions included deteriorated mortar and gaps at masonry interfaces, as well as openings near siding components. Interior inspection supported the need for active trapping to avoid rodents expiring within wall cavities.
Photo observations:
- One image shows a recessed gap within brick and mortar where material appears deteriorated, creating a potential entry void.
- Another image shows siding with a small vent or trim component; gaps are visible along the siding-to-concrete transition.
- A ground-level image shows a void beneath a stone or concrete edge with soil, debris, and droppings present, consistent with rodent travel or harborage.
Cause Analysis
Rats are commonly attracted to properties with ground-level gaps, aging masonry, and concealed voids that provide shelter and access to wall cavities. Deterioration at brick joints and transitions between siding and foundation can create entry opportunities. Ongoing exterior pressure can lead to interior activity when exclusion is not completed.
Treatment / Removal
This pest control work was performed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
- Visit 1: Installation of tamper-proof, locked, and weighted exterior bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide to reduce the exterior rat population. Large commercial-grade baited snap traps were installed indoors to intercept rats and prevent deaths within walls. A full inspection for entry points was completed and a quote for sealing was prepared.
- Visits 2–5: Re-baiting and servicing of all exterior bait stations to maintain control pressure and monitor activity levels.
Technician Shaohua completed all inspections, placements, and follow-up servicing.
Exclusion & Repairs
Exclusion and sealing of identified entry points were inspected and quoted for; however, no exclusion or repair work was completed as part of this service.
Outcome & Confirmation
Exterior bait stations were maintained over five visits to suppress rat activity on the property. Interior snap trapping was used to reduce the risk of rodents dying within wall cavities. Continued monitoring was completed through the final visit, with no additional service actions requested beyond re-baiting.
Technician Notes
Activity was consistent with exterior pressure rather than a single isolated entry. Without exclusion, ongoing maintenance of exterior control measures remains important to limit reinfestation risk.
Contact us at 226-778-3098