Job Overview
Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Structure: Detached two story house
Problem: Wildlife activity under rear deck consistent with skunk presence
Service: Skunk removal and exclusion
Visits: 3
Summary
Our team completed a three-visit skunk removal and exclusion at a detached home in Kitchener. Activity was confirmed beneath the rear deck, with soil disturbance and access points along the foundation edge. A humane one-way door was installed to allow the animal to exit, followed by full perimeter exclusion using galvanized steel mesh. A final visit confirmed no further activity.
Background / Property Context
The property is a detached two-story home with a raised rear deck and exposed foundation areas. The deck configuration created sheltered voids at ground level, providing cover and access points attractive to burrowing wildlife.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported ongoing wildlife activity beneath the back deck, including digging and movement sounds, raising concern about skunk or raccoon presence.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial exterior inspection, our team identified disturbed soil and an active opening near the left side of the deck where it meets the house. The void beneath the deck allowed direct access to the soil and foundation perimeter. No interior entry points were observed.
Cause Analysis
Skunks commonly seek sheltered areas under decks for denning, especially where soil is exposed and perimeter gaps are present. The deck’s design and ground-level clearance allowed digging access along the foundation edge. Limited barrier protection around the deck perimeter contributed to the issue.
Treatment / Removal
A humane, non-lethal approach was used. After approval, a one-way door suitable for skunk exclusion was installed at the primary under-deck entry point, allowing the animal to exit while preventing re-entry. No trapping or relocation was performed.
Exclusion & Repairs
Following successful exit, approximately twenty-nine feet of trenching was completed around the exposed deck perimeter. Galvanized steel mesh was installed and secured below grade and along the foundation line to prevent future burrowing. All exposed gaps were sealed, and the exclusion barrier was inspected for continuity.
Outcome & Confirmation
At the final visit, the homeowner reported no further wildlife activity. The one-way door was removed, sealed, and the full exclusion system was inspected. No additional entry points or signs of activity were found, and the site remained inactive after completion.
Technician Notes
The work was completed over three visits by our team. Technician Andrew conducted the initial inspection, identified the primary entry point, and later completed the installation of the one-way door and full under-deck exclusion. Final inspection confirmed the exclusion remained intact with no renewed activity.
This work was completed by our Kitchener Wildlife control team. For Wildlife control inquiries in Kitchener, contact 226-778-3098.