Prevention, better known as exclusion, is a pest control method that works by sealing off entry points and denying wildlife the access they’re after in your home, business, attic, or crawlspace. Unlike trapping or chemical treatments, exclusion focuses on the long game—preventing animals from ever getting inside in the first place. This isn’t just about plugging holes with mesh and calling it good; it’s a comprehensive approach that starts with knowing the behavior of local wildlife and ends with customized structural work to match. Especially in regions like Jackson Hole, where wildlife and human habitats often overlap, exclusion can be the most effective way to maintain the boundary between indoors and out.

The process involves assessing how animals are getting in, figuring out what they’re looking for once they do, and putting a plan in place that makes your property a whole lot less appealing to them. Whether it’s raccoons prying up soffits, rodents chewing through vents, or bats slipping into tiny crevices along the roofline, exclusion gives us the opportunity to stop these situations from becoming recurring headaches.

Why It Works When Other Methods Don’t

One of the biggest reasons this technique is so effective is because it removes the incentive and opportunity simultaneously. If an animal can’t get in, it won’t hang around trying. That may sound simple, but it’s a fundamental shift from reaction to prevention. Traps and deterrents can offer short-term relief, but animals are smart and persistent, especially when shelter or food is involved. Without exclusion, they’ll often find a way back—or worse, a new spot to exploit.

Once a structure has been compromised by wildlife, it becomes far more vulnerable to repeat visits. Animals leave scent trails, droppings, and damage that signal to others the spot is viable. Exclusion stops that cycle. It’s about disrupting the pattern before it gains momentum. Sealing entry points, reinforcing weak spots, and modifying attractants like ventilation gaps or poorly installed soffits can dramatically cut down the likelihood of reinfestation.

And let’s not forget the structural angle here. Beyond just keeping pests out, exclusion often doubles as an improvement to the property itself. Reinforced eaves, upgraded screens, and properly sealed crawlspaces aren’t just pest solutions—they’re building upgrades with lasting value.

Tailored For The Wildlife Of The Mountain West

Exclusion isn’t a one-size-fits-all service. The techniques we use have to account for the local ecosystem and the species we deal with most. In our usual area of operation, that includes raccoons, skunks, squirrels, marmots, mice, and more. These animals are uniquely suited to the rugged terrain and harsh weather, and they’re experts at finding shelter when temperatures drop. That means your attic, chimney, or under-deck area can look mighty appealing.

Here’s where experience and local understanding really matter. Knowing which animals are seasonal, what signs to look for, and where they’re most likely to gain entry is essential to doing exclusion work that lasts. We don’t just walk around your property with a caulking gun. We climb, crawl, and inspect every angle until we understand exactly how and why wildlife is getting in—and then we build barriers they can’t get through.

That may involve custom-cut metal flashing, screening vents that are still functional but now impenetrable, or even retrofitting roofing features to prevent nesting or burrowing. The goal is always to match the solution to the threat, and make sure nothing gets in without your permission.

A Long-Term Investment In Peace Of Mind

Exclusion isn't just about fixing a current problem—it's about preventing future ones. Once it's done right, you don't have to wonder if that scratching noise in the attic is back or worry that a skunk has made itself comfortable under the porch again. It's a long-term investment in the integrity of your home and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve taken control of the situation.

What often surprises people is just how small the gaps can be that animals exploit. A quarter-sized hole in siding, a vent cover slightly ajar, even a rotted fascia board—these all become welcome mats for pests. Exclusion targets those vulnerabilities with precision and upgrades them with materials designed to last. And once those entry points are dealt with, we can also walk you through preventative maintenance options, so things don’t slip back into disrepair.

There’s a certain relief that comes with exclusion. Knowing your home is sealed, that the wildlife is staying where it belongs—out in the wild—and that you’ve reduced your risk of contamination, damage, and expensive repairs down the road, that’s something worth doing.

At RM Wildlife And Pest Solutions, we believe exclusion is more than just a service—it’s the smartest way to protect what matters. If you’re tired of repeat infestations, mysterious noises at night, or the damage left behind by unwanted visitors, we’re ready to help. Whether you live in town or out near the forest edges of Jackson Hole, we can assess your space, explain exactly what needs to be done, and carry out a custom exclusion plan that holds up through the seasons. Contact us today to schedule a visit or ask questions—we’d be glad to walk you through what exclusion can do for your property.Top of Form

Frequently Asked Questions About Exclusion

Q1. What exactly does wildlife prevention involve, and how is it different from trapping?

A1. Wildlife prevention focuses on keeping animals out before they become a problem, rather than removing them after they’ve already moved in. This method involves identifying and sealing potential entry points, such as gaps around vents, rooflines, or foundation cracks. Unlike trapping, which deals with animals that have already invaded, this proactive approach creates a long-term barrier to keep your home secure year-round. It’s all about stopping the issue at the source.

Q2. Can closing up entry points really stop animals from coming back?

A2. Absolutely. Most nuisance wildlife return to the same places again and again—especially if they’ve previously found food, shelter, or nesting opportunities. By reinforcing weak spots with durable materials like galvanized mesh, steel flashing, and wildlife-proof sealants, you cut off their access entirely. When done correctly, this method not only keeps current intruders out but also prevents future ones from getting in. It’s like installing a lock on your home that animals simply can’t pick.

Q3. Is this method safe for the animals as well as my home?

A3. Yes, it’s one of the most humane strategies available. By preventing entry in the first place, animals are discouraged from nesting or sheltering in human spaces without being harmed. This method also reduces the need for stressful trapping or dangerous chemical deterrents. For homeowners, it ensures peace of mind while avoiding the health hazards and property damage that come with wildlife invasions. It’s a win-win for both your living space and the natural inhabitants around it.