Key Takeaways
- Wildlife exclusion focuses on preventing nuisance wildlife from entering a structure by addressing potential entry points.
- A professional exclusion service begins with a thorough inspection of the property.
- Wildlife should be properly addressed before an entry point is permanently sealed to avoid trapping an animal inside.
- Exclusion methods vary depending on the structure, the wildlife species involved, and the condition of the property.
- Regular inspections can help identify damaged or newly developed entry points before they lead to wildlife problems.
What Is Wildlife Exclusion?
Wildlife exclusion is the process of identifying and sealing potential entry points around a home or business to prevent nuisance wildlife from getting inside. Professional wildlife exclusion may involve sealing gaps, screening vents, securing attic openings, installing chimney caps, and addressing other areas animals can use to enter a structure.
Unlike wildlife removal, which focuses on animals that are already inside or around a property, exclusion focuses on preventing wildlife from entering in the first place. When properly performed, exclusion can help reduce the risk of recurring wildlife problems, property damage, and the need for repeated removal services.
How Does Wildlife Exclusion Work?
The wildlife exclusion process begins with a careful inspection of the property. Wildlife can enter through surprisingly small openings, so technicians need to examine areas where animals commonly gain access and determine which vulnerabilities need to be addressed.
A professional wildlife exclusion service may include the following steps:
- Inspect the Property: Technicians examine the exterior and interior areas of the structure for signs of wildlife activity and potential entry points. This may include the foundation, roofline, soffits, fascia, attic, crawl spaces, vents, doors, and other vulnerable areas.
- Identify Wildlife Entry Points: The inspection helps determine where wildlife may be entering or attempting to enter the structure. Technicians may also look for droppings, nesting materials, damage, tracks, odors, or other evidence that can help identify active wildlife activity.
- Determine Whether Wildlife Is Present: Entry points should not simply be sealed without first determining whether an animal is currently inside. If wildlife is occupying an attic, crawl space, chimney, or another part of the structure, appropriate removal or exclusion techniques may need to be used before permanent repairs are completed.
- Seal Gaps and Openings: Once active wildlife concerns have been addressed, vulnerable openings can be repaired or sealed. Depending on the location, this may involve durable sealants, screening, mesh, hardware cloth, or other wildlife-resistant materials.
- Secure Vents and Other Openings: Vents can provide convenient access to attics and other protected areas. Screening or protective covers can help prevent wildlife from entering while still allowing necessary airflow.
- Protect Attics and Roof Areas: Rooflines, soffits, fascia, roof returns, and attic openings can provide access to wildlife. These areas should be inspected carefully and repaired or reinforced where necessary.
- Address Additional Vulnerabilities: Professional exclusion may also involve securing doors, repairing damaged siding, sealing utility penetrations, installing chimney caps, or addressing other structural weaknesses that could provide wildlife access.
What Does Professional Wildlife Exclusion Include?
Wildlife exclusion is customized according to the structure, the areas vulnerable to wildlife entry, and the animals involved.
Depending on the property, exclusion work may include:
- Sealing cracks, gaps, and holes
- Screening attic and gable vents
- Installing chimney caps
- Securing crawl-space openings
- Installing door sweeps
- Sealing plumbing and utility penetrations
- Repairing damaged soffits and fascia
- Reinforcing vulnerable roof areas
- Installing wildlife-resistant mesh and barriers
- Repairing openings around siding and exterior trim
- Securing garage and exterior doors
The goal is to create a stronger barrier between the structure and the surrounding environment while maintaining the ventilation and function of the building.
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Wildlife Removal vs. Wildlife Exclusion
Wildlife removal and wildlife exclusion are related but serve different purposes.
Wildlife Removal
Wildlife removal addresses animals that are already inside or around a property. Depending on the situation, this may involve identifying the species, locating where it is active, and using appropriate methods to remove it.
Wildlife Exclusion
Wildlife exclusion focuses on preventing animals from gaining access to the structure by identifying and addressing potential entry points.
These services may need to work together. If wildlife is already inside a home or business, the animal should be properly addressed before an opening is permanently sealed. Otherwise, there is a risk of trapping an animal inside the structure.
Why Is Wildlife Exclusion Important?
Wildlife exclusion is an important part of preventing recurring wildlife problems because it addresses one of the main reasons animals enter homes and businesses: access.
Once wildlife discovers an accessible opening, the same location may continue to be used for shelter, nesting, or protection from weather and predators. Simply removing an animal without addressing the entry point may leave the property vulnerable to another wildlife intrusion.
Exclusion can help:
- Reduce opportunities for wildlife to enter.
- Address vulnerabilities that may lead to recurring problems.
- Help protect attics, crawl spaces, and other areas from wildlife damage.
- Reduce the likelihood of nesting inside a structure.
- Limit access to areas where wildlife may contaminate or damage property.
- Provide longer-term protection than removal alone.
Periodic inspections can also help identify new openings or damaged exclusion materials before they become wildlife entry points.
Professional Wildlife Exclusion From Bug Out
Wildlife prevention begins with understanding how animals are accessing your property. Bug Out provides professional wildlife exclusion services that help protect homes and businesses throughout North Carolina by identifying and addressing potential entry points.
Our experienced technicians inspect your structure, find areas where wildlife may gain access, and recommend solutions tailored to your property. By addressing the source of the problem, not just the visible signs of activity, we help provide lasting wildlife protection.
Contact Bug Out today to schedule a wildlife inspection and learn how professional exclusion can help protect your property from nuisance wildlife.
