How to Keep Animals From Going Under a Deck

It may be hard to enjoy your outdoor deck if a skunk or other wild animal decides to move in underneath it. While outdoor deck trim, such as lattice, is designed to close off the space under decks, it may not be enough. Prevent animals from entering the area under your deck by putting up wire to keep them out or make it so inhospitable they don’t move in. Be sure to remove any animals living under the deck before closing off the space.

Hoe
Landscape fabric
Large rocks
Shovel
1-by-2 inch welded wire fencing
Staple gun
Fencing staples
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Scrape the soil under the deck to remove any vegetation with a hoe. Some animals find weeds attractive for food and shelter. Cover the ground under the deck with landscape fabric to prevent weeds from growing under the deck.
- 2
  Cover the landscape fabric completely with large rocks. The rocks prevent animals from finding a cozy place to make their homes.
- 3
  Dig a 1-foot wide by 1-foot deep trench around the deck with a shovel. Bend the bottom 12 inches of a roll of 1-by-2 inch welded wire fencing to form an “L” shape. Set the bottom, horizontal portion of the “L” in the bottom of the trench with the vertical portion against the deck posts. Attach the fencing to the deck posts with fencing staples.
- 4
  Back-fill the trench with the soil you dug out earlier. Pack it down firmly in place.

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