Job Overview
Location: Markham, Ontario
Structure: Detached two-storey home with attached garage
Problem: Ongoing exterior rat activity on the property
Service: Exterior rat treatment and monitoring
Visits: 3
Summary
Our team completed multiple exterior service visits at a residential property in Markham to manage a long-standing rat issue confined to the outside of the home. Work focused on inspection, exterior population control using tamper-resistant bait stations, and ongoing monitoring. No evidence of interior entry or indoor activity was identified during the service history.
Background / Property Context
The property is a detached two-storey home with a backyard deck and landscaped perimeter areas. Ground-level features, including soil beds and deck structures, create sheltered zones along the foundation where rodents can travel and nest if left unmanaged.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported persistent rat activity on the exterior of the property, describing it as an issue that had been present for several years. The concern was focused on outdoor sightings and signs, with no reports of rats entering the interior of the home.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial visit, a full exterior inspection was completed around the foundation, deck, and yard perimeter. Areas of interest included gaps at grade level, soil voids near the foundation, and spaces beneath the deck that could allow rodent movement or harbourage.
Subsequent visits confirmed continued exterior activity but no signs of rats entering the structure. No interior damage, droppings, or noise complaints were reported or observed.
Cause Analysis
Exterior rat activity was likely supported by long-term environmental conditions around the home, including ground-level access points and sheltered areas beneath the deck. These features can provide cover and travel routes for rats even when the structure itself remains sealed. Ongoing exterior pressure from surrounding properties can also contribute to persistent outdoor populations.
Treatment / Removal
Exterior rat control was carried out by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines. Two large, weighted, tamper-resistant bait stations were installed along the exterior of the home to target the outdoor rat population.
The stations were secured and serviced during follow-up visits, with bait replenished as required. This approach was used to reduce and manage exterior activity without any treatment inside the home.
Exclusion & Repairs
Exterior exclusion options were reviewed on site during the first visit, including sealing potential entry points and addressing vulnerable areas around the deck. While exclusion work was recommended, the homeowner chose not to proceed with sealing at that time, as there was no evidence of rats entering the house.
Deck-related exclusion was noted as a preventative option during later visits but was not completed as part of this service history.
Outcome & Confirmation
Across multiple visits, exterior bait stations continued to be serviced and rebaited as needed. No interior rat activity was reported or observed at any point. The issue remained confined to the exterior of the property, and ongoing monitoring helped keep outdoor activity under control.
Technician Notes
Dylan conducted the initial inspection and exterior setup, confirming that rat activity was limited to the outside of the home. Follow-up visits focused on maintaining the bait stations and reassessing the exterior conditions. No escalation to interior treatment was required during the service period.
Photo Notes
- Photos show the backyard deck area with leaf debris and ground-level access beneath the structure.
- Images document tamper-resistant exterior bait stations placed at grade and in snow-covered conditions during winter monitoring.
- Additional photos show gaps and voids along the foundation and deck edges where rodent movement could occur.
This work was completed by our Markham pest control team. For pest control inquiries in Markham, contact 647-496-5755.