Job Overview
Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Structure: Attached two-storey residential home (1970s construction), brick with second-floor siding
Problem: Rat activity in attic and around exterior
Service: Rat treatment and exterior bait station maintenance
Visits: Five
Summary
We were called to address ongoing rat activity reported both inside the home and around the exterior. Activity was most noticeable in the attic during morning and evening hours. Our team implemented a multi-visit rat treatment program focused on exterior population reduction and interior prevention, with continued monitoring through routine rebaiting.
Background / Property Context
The property is an attached two-storey house built in the 1970s, constructed primarily of brick with siding on the upper level. The surrounding environment included soil, landscaping features, and exterior structures that created potential harborage and access points for rodents.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported repeated sounds in the attic, particularly at dawn and dusk, along with visible signs of rat activity around the exterior of the home.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, we observed soil disturbances consistent with rodent burrowing near exterior features. Gaps were visible at ground level along structural edges and near utility-related penetrations. One wall vent had a cover installed, while other potential entry points remained unsealed. Interior inspection supported the likelihood of rats accessing wall and attic spaces.
Cause Analysis
Rats were attracted to the property due to accessible ground-level gaps and sheltered exterior features that allowed burrowing and concealment. The age of the structure and incomplete exclusion work contributed to ongoing access opportunities. Exterior conditions supported a larger local rat population, requiring sustained control efforts.
Treatment / Removal
All pest control work was performed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
On the first visit, our technician, Shaohua, installed tamper-resistant, locked, and weighted exterior bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide to reduce the outdoor rat population. Large commercial-grade snap traps were placed inside the home to intercept rats and prevent them from dying within wall voids. No rodenticides were used indoors. Subsequent visits focused on rebaiting and monitoring exterior stations.
Exclusion & Repairs
An inspection for entry points was completed during the first visit, and a quote for sealing identified gaps was provided. One wall vent cover had been installed prior to service; however, no additional quoted exclusion work was completed during the service period. A wall vent guard was later observed in place, providing protection at that specific opening only.
Outcome & Confirmation
Over the course of five visits, exterior bait stations were consistently rebaited to maintain control due to sustained rat pressure in the area. The customer continued with exterior bait station maintenance for over a year, with additional stations added as needed. Ongoing monitoring focused on reducing exterior populations and limiting interior activity.
Technician Notes
Exterior photos showed burrowing activity at soil level near large containers and structural edges. Additional images documented gaps at the base of exterior structures and the condition of wall vents before and after protective screening was installed. Continued exterior pressure indicated a high local rat population requiring long-term management.
Contact us at 226-778-3098