Exclusion

Physically sealing the gaps, cracks, and openings a pest uses to enter a structure, using materials it cannot gnaw or squeeze through.

Exclusion is unregulated, inexpensive, and permanent, and it is the measure that stops recurrence. A mouse passes through a 6 mm gap and a rat through about 20 mm, so the standard has to be met precisely to matter.

Related terms

• Integrated pest management
• Harbourage
• Conducive conditions