Though you may not bear squirrels any ill will, having them cluster beneath your deck is not particularly ideal. Even the family dog can cause trouble if they get up under the deck. Decks are meant to be enjoyed on their surface, but animals that burrow beneath your deck can wreak all sorts of havoc. Today we’re going to talk about a few ways that you can keep animals from ruining your deck. Let’s jump in.

A squirrel on top of a deck

Step One: Identify the Problem Pest

Before you take any action, you need to know what you’re dealing with. For example, if your pet is going underneath your deck, you’re going to act differently than if wild possums are going where they shouldn’t. Observe the damages and use your best judgment to determine their source. Be very careful, however, during your investigation so that you don’t bother any wild animals that might be living underneath your deck.

Step Two: Remove the Pest

This step is entirely contingent on which sort of pest you’re dealing with. For example, if your dog is the pest, then this step is about training them to stay out of your underdeck area. Avoid punishing them fr bad behavior and use positive reinforcement to encourage them to make good choices. If the culprit is a wild animal of some kind, then you should make sure to address the issue with a professional wildlife removal specialist. Never remove a wild animal by yourself. Ever.

Step Three: Protect Your Home from Further Issue

One of the simplest ways to protect your deck from further issue is to wrap the lower parts in protective lattices and mesh. Though you may avoid this method for fear of harming the aesthetic value of your deck, there are ways of maintaining the appeal. Besides, making sure that animals don’t get under your deck is exceptionally important.

Ready to Build the Deck of Your Dreams

If you’re looking to invest in the deck of your dreams, then you’ve come to the right place. We can help design and build the ultimate deck experience for your home with expert attention and the best materials on the market today. Contact us today to learn more.

Why Choose North American Deck and Patio

pool deck landscaping design waterscape design installation lawn and landscaping design

Our 30+ years of experience and accumulated knowledge sets us apart from our competitors. We have designed and worked on a variety of different landscaping projects each customized to fit the needs of the customer. Our expertise allows us to ensure that you get exactly what you want – and we’ll even back it up with a warranty.

Request a Free Consultation

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

North American Deck and Patio is the Reliable Maryland Deck and Patio Company delivering consistent results guaranteed by an honest warranty.

Thousands of Happy Customers

“Jim at North American patio and deck's came up with the most ingenious way of utilizing our small very slanted very water drained environment and turned it into a virtual oasis. Making this deck the envy of all our ambitions and gem for the community.”

– C. Cross

google stars

View Areas Served

Anne Arundel County Deck and Patio: Annapolis (21401, 21403, 21409), Arnold (21012), Crofton (21114), Crownsville (21032), Gambrills (21054), Glen Burnie (21060, 21061), Hanover (21076), Jessup (20794), Pasadena (21122), Severn (21144), Severna Park (21146).

Baltimore County Deck and Patio: Arbutus (21227), Catonsville (21228, 21250), Cockeysville (21030, 21031, 21065), Dundalk (21222), Edgemere (21219), Essex (21221), Garrison (21055), Lansdowne (21227), Lochearn (21207), Lutherville (21093), Middle River (21220), Milford Mill (21244), Overlea (21236), Owings Mills (21117), Parkville (21234), Park Heights (21215), Pikesville (21208), Randallstown (21133), Reisterstown (21136), Rosedale (21237), Timonium (21093), Towson (21204), White Marsh (21162), Woodlawn (21207), and more.

Calvert County Deck and Patio: Dunkirk (20754), Chesapeake Beach (20732), North Beach (20714), Prince Frederick (20678), Owings (20736), Solomons (20688).

Howard County Deck and Patio: Clarksville (21029), Columbia (21044), Cooksville (21723), Dorsey (21075), Elkridge (21075), Ellicott City (21043), Fulton (20759), Glenelg (21737), Glenwood (21738), Granite (21163), Hanover (21076), Highland (20777), Jessup (20794), Lisbon (21765), Marriottsville (21104), North Laurel (20723), West Friendship (21794), Woodbine (21797), Woodstock (21163), and more.

Montgomery County Deck and Patio: Olney (20832), Damascus (20872), Laytonsville (20882), Silver Spring (20910), Clarksburg (20871), Gaithersburg (20878), Germantown (20876), Bethesda (20816), Chevy Chase (20815), and more.

Prince George's County Deck and Patio: Bowie (20715, 20716, 20720, 20721), Beltsville (20705), Adelphi (20783), College Park (20740,20742), Greenbelt (25689), Hyattsville (20781, 20782, 20783, 20784), Landover (20785), Laurel (20707, 20723), Springdale (20774), Upper Marlboro (20772, 20774), Woodlawn (21207).

St. Marys County Deck and Patio: Leonardtown (20650), Mechanicsville (20659), Lexington Park (20653), Piney Point (20674), Tall Timbers (20690)

na landscaping and design