Installing this barrier properly will prevent digging animals from accessing this tempting den site. This method keeps out rats as well.

1. Dig a trench around the deck, at least 12” – 18” deep (below ground level.)

and then attach ¼” wire mesh (hardware cloth) to the bottom of your deck.

2. Bend the mesh at a 90-degree angle away from the deck into an ‘L’ shape. Make sure you have 18” – 24” of mesh as the bottom of the ‘L’ making a false bottom that animals can’t dig through. This is the most important step!

3. Backfill with soil.

For a more attractive look, install lattice panels over the mesh.

Another method for excluding larger animals (skunks, raccoons, etc.) from under your deck or house is a product called Dig Defense. It is available online and at some hardware stores.