Job Overview
Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Structure: One-story brick house
Problem: Burrowing under deck and foundation
Service: Raccoon removal
Visits: Four
Summary
Our team addressed wildlife activity beneath a deck and along the foundation where burrowing had created access to a denning area, the animal could have been a skunk or a raccoon, due to the lack of a skunk smell, it was likely a raccoon burrowing underneath the foundation. The service involved inspection, humane exclusion using a one-way door, full trenching with galvanized steel mesh, and final confirmation that activity had ceased.
Background / Property Context
The property is a one-story brick home with a rear deck structure. The deck framing and adjacent foundation created sheltered ground-level voids commonly targeted by wildlife for denning.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported ongoing burrowing activity beneath the deck and near the foundation, with concern that an animal had established a den below the structure.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial visit, exterior inspection identified an active burrowing entry point beneath the deck leading toward the foundation. Soil displacement and voids beneath the framing were visible. Additional vulnerable areas were noted along the same perimeter during follow-up visits.
Photos show exposed soil beneath deck joists, open foundation-adjacent gaps, and completed exclusion work using galvanized steel mesh installed flush to the structure and buried below grade.
Cause Analysis
Skunks and raccoons commonly burrow beneath decks and sheds where soil is soft and overhead cover provides protection. Deck framing adjacent to the foundation created an accessible edge where digging could occur undetected. Without buried exclusion material, repeated access was possible.
Treatment / Removal
After approval, Andrew installed a one-way door at the active burrowing entrance to allow the animal to exit without re-entry. A trench measuring approximately one foot deep and six inches outward was excavated along the affected perimeter. Waterproof galvanized steel mesh was secured to the structure and buried to prevent future access while allowing normal drainage.
Exclusion & Repairs
Additional exclusion was added during a subsequent visit after another vulnerable section was identified. The galvanized mesh was bolted securely along the full perimeter of the affected area and backfilled with soil. The one-way door remained in place to allow sufficient time for the animal to vacate.
Outcome & Confirmation
On the final visit, the homeowner confirmed that activity had stopped. The one-way door was removed, and the exclusion work was inspected. No further signs of burrowing or wildlife presence were observed.
Technician Notes
All work was completed humanely and non-lethally in accordance with wildlife removal best practices. Andrew completed final checks to confirm exclusion integrity and closure of all identified access points.
If you are having wildlife or rodent issues Contact us at 226-778-3098