Every year, countless homeowners discover unwelcome “tenants” living under their decks or sheds – skunks, groundhogs, stray cats, rats, and other critters love to burrow beneath these structures. If you’re tired of foul odors wafting up from a skunk den or worried about animals undermining your shed foundation, Eco Haven Pest Control has the answer. Our Deck & Shed Animal Barrier is a below-ground fencing system that blocks animals from digging in. We install a sturdy, hidden mesh barrier around the base of your deck or shed to keep wildlife out for good – all in a humane, eco-friendly way.

Why Animals Invade Decks and Sheds

Under an elevated deck or a shed is the perfect shelter for many wildlife:

• Skunks dig cozy dens to raise their young, often leaving a nasty smell and potentially spraying pets or people who get too close.
• Groundhogs (woodchucks) burrow extensive tunnels under sheds, which can disturb your foundation or concrete pads.
• Rats, mice, and chipmunks find these spots safe from predators and close to food sources (like your trash or garden).
• Opossums and stray cats may also take refuge under porches and decks, creating messes and noise.

Once an animal moves in, you’ll notice damage and mess: dug-up dirt piles, holes by your deck, gnawed wood, and droppings. These intruders can chew wiring or insulation if it’s a shed with utilities, and they often drag in food scraps creating attractants for even more pests. Simply trapping and removing the critter isn’t enough if the space isn’t secured—new animals will soon move into that inviting shelter.

Our Below-Grade Barrier Solution

Eco Haven’s Deck & Shed Animal Barrier is a physical exclusion system that stops animals from getting under your structure in the first place. We create a perimeter of protection by digging a narrow trench around the base of your deck, porch, or shed and installing a galvanized steel mesh fence that extends underground.

How it works: We attach a specially designed wire mesh (strong, rust-resistant steel) along the bottom edge of your deck or shed. The mesh typically goes 12–18 inches deep into the ground and bends outward at a 90° angle, forming an “L” shape underground. This creates an underground wall and ledge that animals cannot get past – when they try to dig near your structure, they hit the mesh barrier and are effectively stopped in their tracks. Even the most determined skunk or woodchuck will give up because they can’t bypass the buried fence.

Once installed, the barrier is completely out of sight. We bury the mesh and refill the trench, often camouflaging it with a layer of soil or mulch. If a portion of the barrier is slightly visible above ground, we can also install simple lattice or trim to make it blend with your deck or shed’s appearance. The end result is a virtually invisible defense against burrowing pests.

Benefits of a Dig-Proof Pest Barrier

Choosing our Deck & Shed Animal Barrier gives you peace of mind and protection for years to come:

• Permanent exclusion – It’s a one-time installation that provides long-term defense. Animals can’t chew through the heavy-duty wire or dig underneath it, so the problem won’t recur.
• Protects your property – Prevent structural damage caused by tunnels and burrows. Your deck footings and shed foundation stay intact and secure.
• Safer & cleaner yard – No more surprise encounters with skunks or groundhogs when you step into your yard. Also, less risk of pets getting sprayed or kids stumbling onto wildlife.
• Humane solution – No need to harm animals. We simply deny them entry, encouraging them to go elsewhere. This approach aligns with Eco Haven’s eco-conscious values – solving pest issues without poisons or lethal means whenever possible.
• Durable materials – We use professional-grade galvanized steel mesh that won’t rot or rust in the soil. It stands up to weather extremes and will keep protecting your home year-round.
• Unobtrusive – The barrier is hidden underground. You won’t see an unsightly fence or wall – your deck and landscaping maintain their curb appeal.

Installation by Local Experts

Installing an underground barrier correctly is a job for professionals. Our Eco Haven team has extensive experience in wildlife exclusion and knows the digging and chewing habits of local pests in the Glens Falls area. We’ll tailor the installation to your property’s needs:

1. Free inspection & consultation: We examine the area, identify any signs of current animal activity, and determine the best approach (including depth and length of barrier needed).
2. Humane eviction if needed: If a skunk or other animal is currently living under your deck/shed, we can live-trap and relocate it or use gentle methods to encourage it to leave before installation. We never close off an area with animals trapped inside.
3. Barrier installation: Our crew digs a trench and installs the mesh barrier securely to the structure’s base, creating that critical L-shaped underground fence. We take care to position it correctly so there are no gaps.
4. Finishing touches: The trench is filled back in and tamped down. We’ll replace the soil and any turf or landscaping so your yard looks as if we were never even there – except now it’s fortified against critters.

Common Questions from Homeowners

Q: Will the barrier be visible around my deck or shed?
A: Hardly at all. The fencing mesh is mostly buried below ground. At most, a couple of inches might be visible right at the base of your deck or shed, but we often hide this with dirt or decorative lattice. You won’t notice anything different about your deck’s appearance – no ugly chicken wire sticking out. It’s a subtle solution.

Q: Can animals just dig deeper to get past the barrier?
A: It’s extremely unlikely. We dig the barrier down around 1½ feet and also outward. Most digging pests, like skunks and groundhogs, will start tunneling near the surface right against your structure. They’ll hit the mesh, try a few spots, and ultimately give up. It’s possible for an animal to dig a very deep tunnel elsewhere in your yard, but they won’t be able to then turn horizontally under your deck because the buried fence blocks the way. In practice, once this barrier is in place, our customers stop seeing any new burrows by their decks and sheds.

Q: What about mice or smaller critters?
A: Our standard mesh has small grid openings that also keep out rats and chipmunks. For areas with heavy mouse activity, we can use a finer mesh or add an extra layer to ensure even tiny rodents can’t slip through. So yes, it will help keep out mice as well. (Of course, completely rodent-proofing a home may involve additional measures, but this barrier removes one major entry route for them.)

Q: I’ve tried throwing rocks or screening myself and it didn’t work. How is this different?
A: Many DIY attempts fail because the barrier wasn’t deep enough, or the materials were too weak. Simply piling rocks or using light chicken wire often isn’t enough – animals can dig around or chew through those. Our solution is professionally installed at the proper depth with industrial-grade materials. It’s not just a temporary fix; it’s a proven exclusion technique used by wildlife control specialists. We do it once, and you’re done with the problem.

Q: Do I need to do anything to maintain it?
A: Not really. The steel mesh is designed to last for many years underground. It won’t rot like wood or degrade quickly. We recommend just keeping an eye out for any digging attempts around the perimeter (which are usually thwarted by the fence). If you ever suspect an animal tried to breach the barrier, give us a call – our work is backed by a warranty, so we will come check it and reinforce if ever needed. But in our experience, maintenance is rarely required.

Q: Can this be installed for porches or other structures too?
A: Absolutely. The same exclusion principle can protect any raised structure: decks, porches, sheds, even gazebos or additions with crawl spaces. During your inspection, we can assess all potential problem areas around your property. Many homeowners choose to secure their deck and shed at the same time, for comprehensive peace of mind.

Secure Your Yard – Schedule an Inspection

You don’t have to share your outdoor spaces with burrowing pests. Our team at Eco Haven Pest Control is ready to safeguard your deck, porch, and shed with a custom animal barrier. Book Your Free Inspection Today and learn how we can make your yard pest-proof. We’re proud to provide this eco-friendly, permanent solution to homeowners throughout the Glens Falls and Adirondack region. Enjoy your yard again – without any critters living under it!