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Animal Proofing & Exclusion

Every animal that gets into your home uses an entry point, and if that entry point isn't sealed properly, the next animal will use it too. Animal proofing is the process of identifying and sealing every gap, crack, hole, and structural vulnerability that wildlife and pests exploit to access your home. Critter Wranglers provides professional animal proofing and exclusion services for homes and businesses throughout the Greater Knoxville area.

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Critter Wranglers technician sealing wildlife entry points

Common Entry Points We Seal

Animals are resourceful. Raccoons can tear through damaged soffits. Squirrels can chew through wood and roofing materials. Mice can squeeze through a gap the size of a dime. During our exclusion inspection, we check every area of your home's exterior where animals gain access. Common entry points include:

  • Damaged or deteriorated soffits and fascia
  • Gaps where the roofline meets the fascia or wall
  • Open or damaged gable vents, ridge vents, and attic vents
  • Uncapped chimneys
  • Gaps around utility lines, pipes, and HVAC penetrations
  • Foundation cracks and gaps around crawlspace vents
  • Loose or damaged dryer and bathroom vent covers
  • Openings under decks, porches, and sheds
  • Gaps around doors, garage seals, and window frames

Why Professional Exclusion Matters

DIY and handyman exclusion attempts are the most common reason we get called back to a property. People who aren't well versed in nuisance wildlife behavior seal what they can see, but miss the entry points they can't: gaps behind gutters, openings at the roofline that are only visible from a ladder, foundation cracks hidden behind landscaping, and utility penetrations they didn't know existed.

The materials matter too. Construction-grade foam and caulk are designed to seal against weather, not against animals that chew, scratch, and push their way through. Professional exclusion uses materials rated for animal resistance, installed by technicians who understand how each species accesses a home.

Our Exclusion Process

1

Full Exterior Inspection

We walk the entire exterior of your home, including the roofline, foundation, and all penetration points, to identify every current and potential entry point.

2

Professional-Grade Sealing

We use materials specifically designed for animal exclusion: heavy-gauge screening, metal flashing, hardware cloth, Pest-Blok, and Ridge Guard material. Standard caulk and foam from the hardware store won't hold up against a determined squirrel or raccoon. Our materials will.

3

Structural Repair Where Needed

If animals have already damaged soffits, fascia, vents, or other components, we repair the damage as part of the exclusion process. There's no point sealing a gap if the surrounding material is too compromised to hold.

4

Documentation and Recommendations

We provide a clear record of what was sealed and repaired, plus recommendations for any areas that may need attention in the future.

Critter Wranglers exclusion screening installed in building

Contact Critter Wranglers for Animal Proofing


Critter Wranglers is locally owned and operated, licensed by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, certified by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and fully bonded and insured. We're also Ridge Guard certified installers, specializing in ridge vent exclusion that keeps wildlife out of one of the most vulnerable entry points on your roof. Animal proofing is a core part of our wildlife removal and rodent control services, and it's what turns a one-time removal into a long-term solution.

Contact us today to schedule your free inspection, or give us a call at (865) 973-1095.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you animal-proof my home before I have a problem?

Yes. Proactive exclusion is one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make. We'll inspect your home, identify vulnerable areas, and seal them before wildlife finds them. This is especially valuable for homes near wooded areas or properties that have had wildlife issues in the past.

When done with professional-grade materials and proper installation, exclusion work is built to last for years. We stand behind our work and will address any issues that arise within the warranty period.

No. We offer standalone exclusion services for homeowners who want to prevent problems before they start, as well as exclusion bundled with wildlife removal and pest control services.