Job Overview
Location: Whitby, Ontario
Structure: Detached split-level house with raised basement and built-in garage
Problem: Interior rodent activity initially believed to be mice, later identified as rats
Service: Rat treatment and exterior exclusion
Visits: 2
Summary
We were called to investigate nighttime scratching sounds inside a residential property. During inspection, the issue was confirmed to be rats rather than mice. A two-visit service was completed, combining a licensed rat treatment with targeted exterior exclusion to address active entry points and prevent re-entry. Follow-up confirmed no further interior activity.
Background / Property Context
The home is a detached split-level structure with a raised basement, foundation-level windows, multiple exterior wall penetrations, and an attached garage. These features can present access opportunities for rats when gaps or deteriorated materials are present at ground level.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported scratching and movement noises inside the walls during nighttime hours and suspected a mouse issue based on the sounds.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, our technician identified signs consistent with rat activity rather than mice. Exterior inspection revealed multiple vulnerabilities, including gaps at foundation-level window frames, plastic wall vents, and the garage door frame. These areas were accessible from ground level and showed conditions that could allow rat entry.
Cause Analysis
Rats are capable of exploiting small structural gaps at ground level, particularly around foundation windows, vents, and garage interfaces. In this case, deteriorated sealing materials and exposed plastic vent covers provided access points. The raised basement design increased the number of low-level penetrations available to rodents.
Treatment / Removal
A full exterior and interior rat treatment was performed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines. The treatment included the placement of weighted, tamper-resistant exterior bait stations to address exterior activity and large, baited snap traps installed inside the home to prevent rats from dying within wall cavities.
Exclusion & Repairs
On the first visit, the homeowner approved exclusion work, which was completed the same day. This included:
- Installation of an additional exterior rodent bait station
- Galvanized steel vent covers installed over accessible plastic wall vents
- Sealing of a foundation-level window frame using flashing
- Installation of a rat one-way door to allow animals to exit without re-entry
- Sealing of a garage door frame using flashing
Photographs show before-and-after conditions, including exposed foundation gaps prior to sealing, installation of metal flashing at window and door frames, screened wall vents, and the installed one-way door at an active entry point.
Outcome & Confirmation
On the second visit, all exterior bait stations were rebaited and the completed exclusion work was inspected and found to be intact. The homeowner reported no further interior rodent activity. With activity resolved and exclusion confirmed, the job was completed.
Technician Notes
The inspection and treatment were completed by our technician, Grant. Entry points were addressed at ground level where rat access was most likely, and follow-up confirmed the effectiveness of both the treatment and exclusion measures.
This work was completed by our Whitby pest control team. For pest control inquiries in Whitby, contact 905-581-9985.