Job Overview
Location: Newmarket, Ontario
Structure: Detached two-storey house with wooden siding (1910s construction)
Problem: Mouse activity reported in the basement and interior areas
Service: Mouse treatment, exclusion, and sanitation
Visits: 6
Summary
We completed a multi-visit mouse control and exclusion service at a century home in Newmarket after the homeowner reported ongoing rodent activity in the basement. The work involved inspection, licensed rodenticide placement, full-perimeter exclusion using galvanized steel mesh, and interior sanitation. Activity reduced progressively over follow-up visits, with no further issues reported at completion.
Background / Property Context
The property is an older, early-1900s detached home with wooden siding and an aging foundation. Construction features typical of century homes, including multiple utility penetrations and irregular foundation transitions, increased susceptibility to rodent entry at ground level.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported hearing and observing rodent activity primarily in the basement. There was concern about potential entry points around the foundation and the presence of droppings in interior spaces.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial exterior inspection, multiple gaps were observed along the foundation perimeter and at siding transitions. Spray foam had previously been applied around sections of the foundation; however, chew marks and disturbed areas suggested it was not deterring rodent entry. Interior inspection identified rodent droppings in the basement, kitchen, and attic areas.
Photos taken during the inspection show:
- Openings and voids along the lower foundation and siding edges
- Ground-level gaps near utility lines
- Areas where spray foam was present but compromised
- Installation stages of galvanized steel mesh along the foundation perimeter
Cause Analysis
Mice were able to access the structure due to small gaps along the foundation and utility penetrations common in older homes. Spray foam alone did not provide a chew-resistant barrier. Proximity of ground cover and vegetation along the foundation also contributed to concealment and repeated access attempts.
Treatment / Removal
On the first service visit, interior and exterior bait stations containing commercial-grade rodenticide were installed by a licensed exterminator in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines. Follow-up visits focused on monitoring and rebaiting stations as activity continued to decline.
Exclusion & Repairs
After service approval, full exclusion work was completed, including:
- Approximately 195 linear feet of foundation sealed using galvanized steel mesh
- One utility line sealed with caulking and galvanized steel mesh
- Targeted sealing at siding-to-foundation transitions
Interior sanitation was also completed. Rodent droppings in the attic, kitchen, and basement were removed using HEPA-filtered equipment, and affected areas were disinfected with hospital-grade botanical sterilizers.
Outcome & Confirmation
Over visits three through five, bait stations were rebaited as residual activity was observed. By the final visit, the homeowner reported no further rodent activity. Any temporary one-way devices were removed, the exclusion work was reinspected, and no new entry points or signs of activity were found.
Follow-up Inspection
We follow up every job to make sure our exclusion is sound and holding strong, to rebait stations and make sure our customer is looked after. This helps us make sure there are no surprises, that our treatment is working and that the rodent population is under control. We sometimes find additional weak spots, or new ones. This video shows a typical pest control followup for this case.
Technician Notes
The service was completed over six visits by our technician, Richard. Given the age of the structure, full-perimeter exclusion was necessary to achieve long-term control. At completion, the home showed no signs of ongoing mouse activity.
This work was completed by our Newmarket pest control team. For pest control inquiries in Newmarket, contact 647-496-2211.