Job Overview
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Structure: Two-storey detached house with built-in garage
Problem: Exterior rat activity with access into garage and cold room
Service: Rat treatment and structural exclusion
Visits: Three visits
Summary
Our team at Pest Control Mississauga completed a three-visit rat treatment and exclusion service at a detached residential property. The work focused on reducing exterior rat activity, addressing attractants, and sealing multiple foundation- and vent-level entry points. Activity declined significantly following treatment, and the customer reported no further exterior rat activity by the final visit.
Background / Property Context
The property is a two-storey detached home with a built-in garage and exterior stairwell. The surrounding yard included raised planters, stored materials, and areas where soil met exposed foundation sections. These features, combined with ongoing food availability in the garage, created favourable conditions for rats.
Customer Concern
The customer reported a high level of rat activity around the exterior of the home, with concerns that rats were accessing the garage and adjacent interior spaces, including a cold room.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, our technician identified several contributing factors:
- Burrowing activity at the base of exterior stairs.
- Multiple exposed foundation gaps at ground level.
- An open wall vent without a protective cover.
- Evidence suggesting rats had accessed the garage and cold room.
- Open food containers stored in the garage and frequent door access, increasing attractants.
Photos from the inspection show soil disturbances along the foundation, open gaps beneath exterior finishes, and an unprotected wall vent consistent with rodent entry points.
Cause Analysis
Rats were drawn to the property due to readily available food sources and consistent access through ground-level structural gaps. Openings along the foundation and vents provided direct entry routes, while exterior features such as stairs and planters offered cover for burrowing. Regular garage access further reduced barriers between the exterior and interior spaces.
Treatment / Removal
A licensed exterminator performed the rat treatment in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines. Two large, weighted, tamper-resistant bait stations were installed on the exterior of the home to target the local rat population. During the second visit, the bait stations showed heavy feeding and were fully consumed, indicating significant activity and requiring rebaiting.
Exclusion & Repairs
Following approval of the quoted work, exclusion measures were completed:
- Installation of a rat one-way door at the base of the exterior stairs where active burrowing was observed.
- Sealing approximately five feet of exposed foundation gaps using mortar and galvanized materials.
- Installation of one galvanized steel wall vent cover to prevent rodent entry.
These measures were designed to block existing access points while allowing any remaining rats to exit without re-entry.
Outcome & Confirmation
By the third visit, the customer reported no further rat activity on the exterior of the home. The treated areas remained intact, bait station activity had subsided, and no new signs of burrowing or entry were observed. The customer confirmed satisfaction with the outcome of the service.
Technician Notes
Dylan conducted the inspection, treatment setup, and exclusion work. Heavy bait consumption during the follow-up visit confirmed a high exterior population that responded to treatment. Final confirmation was based on customer feedback and absence of new exterior activity.
This service was completed by our Mississauga Pest Control team. For Pest Control inquiries in Mississauga, contact 905-367-5019.