How to Keep Animals Away from Your Deck

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.

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.

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“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