Job Overview
Location: Whitby, Ontario
Structure: Commercial church with a dental office and added extension
Problem: Mouse activity within the building
Service: Mouse treatment and structural exclusion
Visits: Single visit
Summary
We attended a commercial church property in Whitby after reports of mouse activity inside the building. Our team completed a licensed mouse treatment and carried out approved exclusion work to address entry points identified beneath an attached deck and along the foundation. The work focused on long-term prevention by restricting rodent access to concealed voids.
Background / Property Context
The structure consists of an older church building with a later extension housing a dental office. An elevated deck was attached along one side of the building, creating sheltered voids at ground level. These conditions can provide warmth and concealment for rodents if not properly sealed.
Customer Concern
The property representative reported scratching sounds within the walls and visible evidence of mice inside the building, including live sightings and droppings. There was concern about continued activity within a commercial environment.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, our technician identified active mouse harbourage beneath the attached deck. Gaps along the lower wall sections and foundation were observed, consistent with rodent entry and travel routes. Soil disturbance and sheltered conditions under the deck indicated repeated use by mice.
Cause Analysis
Rodent activity was attributed to accessible voids beneath the attached deck and gaps along the foundation line. The deck structure provided cover and protection from weather, allowing mice to establish nesting areas close to the building. Without physical barriers, these areas allowed continued access into the structure.
Treatment / Removal
A licensed exterminator carried out mouse control in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines. Tamper-resistant bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide were placed in areas of confirmed activity. Stations were positioned to target active travel paths while remaining secure and appropriate for a commercial setting.
Exclusion & Repairs
Following approval, exclusion work was completed during the same visit. This included:
- Trenching along the base of the attached deck and installing fine-gauge galvanized steel mesh, buried approximately one foot vertically and extended outward to prevent burrowing access.
- Sealing approximately twenty feet of soft wall and foundation gaps using galvanized steel mesh and exterior-grade sealant.
The mesh was mechanically fastened and integrated with the existing structure to create a continuous barrier along vulnerable sections.
Outcome & Confirmation
At the conclusion of the visit, exclusion materials were fully installed and inspected. The deck perimeter and foundation gaps were enclosed to prevent further rodent access. No additional openings were observed, and the treated areas were left in a secure condition suitable for a commercial property.
Technician Notes
The inspection, treatment, and exclusion were completed by our technician, Grant. The work focused on addressing both active mouse presence and the structural conditions that allowed entry beneath the deck and along the foundation.
This work was completed by our Whitby pest control team. For pest control inquiries in Whitby, contact 905-581-9985.