Job Overview
Location: Burlington, Ontario
Structure: Large bungalow with raised basement and detached shed
Problem: Suspected rat activity inside the home
Service: Rat control, exterior baiting, and structural exclusion
Visits: Six visits
Summary
Pest Control Burlington was contacted regarding suspected rat activity inside a residential property. Although no droppings were initially observed indoors, food was going missing from the kitchen and activity was suspected in the basement and upper levels. Our team confirmed rat activity and completed a multi-visit control and exclusion program to address both interior risk and exterior pressure.
Background / Property Context
The property is a large bungalow with a raised basement, finished interior spaces, and an adjacent shed. Exterior conditions included siding interfaces, foundation transitions, and multiple construction gaps typical of this structure style. These features created several potential access points at ground and siding level.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported missing food inside the kitchen and suspected rat movement within the basement and other areas of the house. The primary concern was preventing rats from remaining or dying inside wall cavities while stopping further entry.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, our technician identified confirmed rat activity and a significant number of exterior entry points. Multiple siding gaps were observed that were large enough to allow direct rat access into wall voids. Foundation gaps were also present along the exterior perimeter. Interior conditions supported the likelihood of ongoing rodent movement despite limited visible droppings.
Photos from the inspection show deteriorated siding interfaces, exposed framing, and open voids behind exterior cladding. Exterior bait stations and interior trapping locations were selected based on these findings.
Cause Analysis
The rat activity was driven by accessible food sources indoors combined with multiple unsealed exterior gaps. Large siding openings and foundation gaps allowed rats to move freely between the exterior environment and interior wall cavities. Seasonal conditions and nearby vegetation likely increased exterior rodent pressure around the structure.
Treatment / Removal
A licensed exterminator from our team completed the rat control program in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
Interior control focused on the use of large commercial-grade snap traps placed in areas of confirmed activity. This approach was selected to reduce the risk of rats dying inside walls or inaccessible spaces.
Exterior control included the placement of large, weighted, tamper-resistant bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide to manage the exterior rat population and reduce reinfestation pressure.
Exterior bait stations were serviced and rebaited over multiple follow-up visits to ensure continued effectiveness.
Exclusion & Repairs
After approval, structural exclusion work was completed to eliminate identified entry points:
- Approximately forty-six feet of siding gaps were sealed using galvanized steel mesh and professional-grade exterior caulking.
- Approximately six feet of foundation gaps were sealed using a combination of mortar, concrete, and galvanized steel mesh.
All exclusion materials were installed flush with existing building components to maintain durability and prevent future rodent access.
Outcome & Confirmation
By the final visit, the homeowner reported no further interior rat activity. The exclusion work was reinspected, exterior stations were checked, and no new entry points were observed. The customer confirmed satisfaction with the results and reported normal household conditions had returned.
Technician Notes
The work was completed over six visits by technician Shaohua, with a focus on combining active control and long-term structural prevention. Follow-up visits confirmed declining activity and successful exterior population management after exclusion was completed.
This work was completed by our Burlington pest control team. For pest control inquiries in Burlington, contact 647-496-5721.