Sealing the gaps, cracks, and entry points that let pests in — the single most effective, longest-lasting pest control step there is.

Exclusion is pest-proofing: physically sealing the gaps, cracks, and holes pests use to get in. It is the most effective long-term pest control step because it removes the cause, not just the symptom. A mouse needs only a 1/4-inch gap — the width of a pencil — to squeeze into a home, and most homes have dozens of such gaps.
We inspect every potential entry point — utility penetrations, foundation cracks, vents, soffits, doors, and the roofline — and seal them with the right material for the gap: copper mesh and caulk for small cracks, foam for larger voids, concrete patch for foundation gaps, vent guards and chimney caps for wildlife.
Exclusion is what breaks the yearly cycle. Baiting mice without sealing the gap they came through means they return every fall. Treating bats without sealing the roost opening means they re-colonize next spring. Sealing the entry is what makes the solution permanent instead of temporary.
Inspect every potential entry: utility penetrations, foundation cracks, vents, soffits, doors, and the roofline.
Seal small gaps with copper mesh and caulk — rodents cannot chew through copper.
Fill larger voids with expandable foam, and patch foundation gaps with concrete patch matched to the surface.
Cap chimneys, repair screens, and install vent guards and one-way doors for wildlife and bat exclusion.
Re-inspect to confirm every gap larger than 1/4 inch (for mice) or 1 inch (for rats and squirrels) is sealed.
The gold standard for rodent gaps — copper cannot be chewed through, and caulk seals it airtight.
Used to fill larger voids before sealing; often combined with mesh so rodents cannot hollow it out.
For foundation cracks and larger structural gaps that need a rigid, permanent seal.
Physical barriers that keep wildlife and bats out of vents, chimneys, and attic openings.
Mice, rats, bats, squirrels, raccoons, and every crawling insect that follows gaps indoors.
Every rodent and wildlife job — exclusion is what breaks the yearly cycle, not the bait alone. Also the foundation of a preventative program for any home.
We do a full exterior inspection — foundation to roofline — and document every gap, with the size noted. You get a clear list of what needs sealing and why.
Sealing is hands-on and may take a few hours depending on the home. For wildlife, we often install one-way doors so animals can leave but not re-enter, then seal the entry after.
The entry points are sealed for good. For wildlife, we return after a few days to confirm the animals have left and remove the one-way doors. The gaps are now closed permanently.
Exclusion uses physical materials — mesh, caulk, foam, patch — not pesticides, so there is no chemical exposure. For wildlife, we use humane one-way exclusion so animals leave on their own rather than being trapped inside.
A mouse needs only a 1/4-inch gap — about the width of a pencil. Rats and young squirrels need about 1 inch. We seal every gap that size and larger, because if we miss one, they will find it.
Want this for your home? See our Pest Exclusion service page for what is included and how to schedule.
Pest Exclusion"We take pests personally. When you call Mid State, you're getting direct service from someone who takes pride in protecting your home and business."