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Keeping Animals Out of Houses: The Importance of Exclusion Work
At Frontline Animal Removal, we spend a lot of time helping homeowners in the Canton, Akron, and Kent area understand one simple truth about nuisance wildlife: removing the animals is only half the job.
The real, long-term solution comes from keeping them out for good — a process called exclusion. Exclusion is the practice of modifying a structure so that animals cannot access it again.
Whether it’s raccoons tearing into attics, squirrels chewing through siding, or skunks nesting under decks, exclusion focuses on identifying how they got in and then using strong, durable materials to permanently block those openings. It’s the difference between a quick fix and a lasting repair.
A Problem at the Base of a Chimney Chase
In a recent job, Ryan was called out to a home where animals had managed to enter the void space around a wood-framed chimney chase.
This type of construction is common — a wooden box built around a metal chimney flue, often attached to the exterior of a house. In this case, the chase extended down to the ground beneath a deck.
When Ryan inspected the area, he found that the base of the chimney chase was completely open to the ground. That meant any animal that crawled under the deck — squirrels, raccoons, or even smaller creatures — could climb right up into the chimney structure. Once inside that enclosed void, it was only a short step for them to chew through the wall materials and make their way into the house.
Sure enough, when Ryan removed some of the siding, there was clear evidence of animal intrusion.
Squirrels had chewed through framing and insulation, and there were signs that other wildlife had also explored the area. Trapping these animals might have removed the current invaders, but it wouldn’t solve the root problem — the open access point beneath the deck.
The Long-Term Fix: A Strong Exclusion Barrier
After discussing the options with the homeowner, Ryan recommended a durable, maintenance-free solution: installing a perforated steel panel at the base of the chimney chase. This panel completely closed off the open bottom while still allowing for proper ventilation and moisture control.
The panel was securely fastened with heavy-duty screws and designed to resist animal tampering. Squirrels won’t be able to chew through the steel, and raccoons won’t be able to bend or pull it away. By installing this permanent barrier, Ryan effectively eliminated the animals’ route into the chimney chase — and ultimately, into the house.
Here is a video so you can see what Ryan found and what he did:
Good exclusion work is all about using construction-grade materials and careful installation to close off every potential entry point.
It’s not just about solving today’s problem; it’s about preventing tomorrow’s.
Why Exclusion Matters
Every home and structure is different, which is why exclusion work always begins with a thorough inspection.
Ryan evaluates each situation to determine how animals are getting in and what’s drawing them there. Once the entry points are found, he designs a customized exclusion plan that fits the building’s materials and layout.
At Frontline Animal Removal, our goal is to protect your home by combining wildlife removal with expert repairs.
When exclusion is done correctly, homeowners can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their house is no longer accessible to nuisance wildlife.
By combining wildlife removal with exclusion, Frontline Animal Removal ensures homes across Stark, Summit, and Portage Counties stay protected from future infestations. If you’re hearing noises in your walls or attic, or suspect that animals are getting under your deck, contact us today. We’ll find the entry point, remove the wildlife, and keep them from coming back.