Job Overview
Location: Markham, Ontario
Structure: Detached split-level house with brick exterior and siding near the roofline
Problem: Mouse activity reported in the basement, including live sightings and rice-sized droppings
Service: Mouse treatment and exterior exclusion
Visits: 2
Summary
Our team completed a two-visit mouse control service after reports of active mice in the basement. The initial visit focused on a full exterior inspection, treatment setup, and sealing of identified access points. A follow-up visit addressed continued activity through exterior rebaiting. After the second visit, no further rodent activity was reported.
Background / Property Context
The property is a detached split-level home with brick construction and multiple weep vents along the foundation. Exterior utility and wall penetrations were present, creating several potential access points for small rodents.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported seeing live mice in the basement and noted droppings consistent with mouse activity. The concern was ongoing activity inside the home and the risk of continued entry.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, multiple exterior vulnerabilities were identified. These included open weep vents along the foundation and an unsealed wall vent. A total of 96 weep vents were present and accessible. No interior structural damage was noted at the time of inspection, but the number of exterior openings increased the likelihood of ongoing mouse entry.
Cause Analysis
Mice are able to enter structures through small openings commonly found at foundation-level vents and utility penetrations. In this case, unprotected weep vents and gaps around a wall vent provided consistent access points. The surrounding residential environment and seasonal pressure likely contributed to increased rodent movement toward the structure.
Treatment / Removal
All pest control work was performed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines.
During the first visit, two large, weighted, tamper-resistant exterior rodent bait stations were installed to address exterior mouse activity and intercept rodents before entry. Commercial-grade rodent bait was placed inside the stations and secured. The treatment approach relied on repeated feeding within the bait stations as part of an exterior control strategy.
Exclusion & Repairs
Exclusion work was completed during the initial visit and included:
- Installation of 96 stainless steel vented inserts to secure all accessible weep vents
- Sealing of an open area around an exterior wall vent using exterior-grade caulking
These measures were intended to reduce available entry points and support long-term control.
Outcome & Confirmation
Following the first visit, the homeowner reported continued but reduced activity. A second visit was completed to rebait the exterior stations only. No additional exclusion work was required. After rebaiting, no further mouse activity was reported inside or around the home.
Technician Notes
The initial inspection and treatment were completed by Grant, who documented multiple exterior access points consistent with mouse entry. Follow-up confirmed that rebaiting the exterior stations was sufficient to resolve the remaining activity.
This work was completed by our Markham pest control team. For pest control inquiries in Markham, contact 647-496-5755.