Pest Exclusion – Key Takeaways

• You can’t prevent rodents, pests, and wildlife from living on your property, but you can prevent them from entering your home.
• Exclusion is the process of preventing them from entering your home by eliminating structural vulnerabilities and sealing access points.
• It’s an environmentally and cost-effective approach that gives you long-term peace of mind.

What Is Pest Exclusion?

Are you familiar with the term “pest exclusion”? It’s a proactive approach to pest prevention and pest control that’s humane, environmentally friendly, and most importantly, highly effective.

But what is pest exclusion, exactly? 

You can probably guess what it might be. We’re all familiar with what it means to be excluded, especially if you’ve ever been a little kid with a big sibling. Exclusion means you’re on the outside looking in – and that’s what pest exclusion aims to do to rodents, pests, and wildlife.

What’s the Goal of Exclusion?

There isn’t a whole lot you can do about pests and wildlife coming into your yard. The world is filled with critters. The problem is when those critters come into your yard, they can accidentally – or intentionally – enter your home.

The goal of pest exclusion is to prevent this, keeping them outside where they belong.

How Does Exclusion Work?

Pest exclusion is the process of eliminating structural vulnerabilities and possible entry points to prevent future pest infestations. At Active Pest Control, we’re proud to use versatile and durable Flexi Armour™ products to help you accomplish your pest prevention goals.

Some examples of pest, wildlife, and rodent exclusion include:

• Sealing Foundation and Walls: Using caulk or sealant to fill cracks and crevices in the foundation, siding, and where utility lines (pipes, wires, vents) enter the building.
• Installing Door Sweeps: Attaching sweeps to the bottom of all exterior doors to close the gap between the door and the threshold.
• Repairing Weatherstripping: Replacing old, worn, or damaged weatherstripping around doors and windows to create a tight seal.
• Securing Vents and Openings: Covering attic vents, crawl space vents, and chimney flues with sturdy hardware cloth (1/4-inch mesh or smaller) or chimney caps.
• Mending Screens: Repairing or replacing any torn or damaged screens on windows and doors.
• Using Gnaw-Proof Materials: For holes caused by rodents, packing the opening with steel wool or copper mesh before sealing it with foam or caulk, as they cannot chew through the metal.
• Guarding Pipes: Installing escutcheon plates (metal rings) around pipes under sinks and behind appliances to cover oversized gaps in the wall.

Does Exclusion Work Against All Types of Pests?

Yes, exclusion is widely recognized as an effective tactic against pests of all sizes – from the tiniest of ants to small rodents, large wildlife, and birds.

Most mice can squeeze through an opening the size of a dime. And, if they find an opening that isn’t quite big enough, they are more than happy to make it larger with their teeth.

It’s up to you to understand the type of pest pressures you frequently deal with at your home and work backwards from there. So, for example, if you frequently have ants, you’ll need to look for tiny cracks and crevices that could be letting them in. Once you find them, use caulk or a sealing agent to seal them up.

Is Pest Exclusion Worth It?

Absolutely. Exclusion requires some proactive action right now, but the long-term benefits are worth it.

Benefits of Exclusion:

• Long-Term Prevention: It’s a proactive, permanent solution that stops infestations before they can start, preventing the need for rodent and wildlife removal services.
• Reduces Chemical Use: It’s an environmentally friendly approach that relies on physical barriers, making it safer for family and pets.
• Cost-Effective: While it has an upfront cost, it saves you money in the long run by preventing expensive pest damage (like chewed wires or ruined insulation) and the need for repeated chemical treatments.
• Improves Health & Safety: It blocks entry for pests that can carry diseases, trigger allergies, and contaminate food.
• Increases Energy Efficiency: Sealing cracks and gaps to keep pests out also has the added benefit of stopping air leaks, which can help lower your heating and cooling bills.
• Provides Peace of Mind: You get the lasting security of knowing your home is sealed and fortified against pests.

Can I Do Pest, Wildlife, or Rodent Exclusion Myself?

Yes – in many cases, the DIY approach is a great first step, particularly for minor issues or preventative measures. Taking the time to understand the basics of pest behavior and entry points can empower you to maintain a more secure environment.

However, if you’ve applied DIY exclusion efforts and are still not seeing the desired results — or if the problem is extensive, persistent, or involves potentially hazardous pests — it’s worth working with a professional pest and wildlife exclusion specialist.

At Active Pest Control, we can conduct a comprehensive inspection to identify less obvious entry points and structural vulnerabilities that might be overlooked during a DIY check.

Your Local Pest and Wildlife Exclusion Experts in Georgia

Bugs and wildlife can cause painful bites, spread diseases, contaminate stored food, damage belongings, eat away at the structure of a home, and just make you feel uncomfortable in your own home. No homeowner should settle for anything less than 100% exclusion. And sometimes that requires an experienced home services specialist who knows how to create a comprehensive all-year barrier.

If you are in our Georgia service area, reach out to Active Pest Control. Find out why Active is the trusted expert at pest, rodent, and wildlife exclusion in Georgia.