Discovering animals making a home under your deck can be a real concern for homeowners. Not only can these unwelcome guests cause structural damage, but they may also pose health risks to your family and pets. Understanding how to get rid of animals under the deck is essential to maintain a safe and enjoyable outdoor space.

If you’re considering building a new deck or upgrading your existing one, it’s crucial to ensure it’s designed to prevent such issues from the start. At Dupont Decks, we specialize in creating beautiful, durable decks tailored to your needs. With over 20 years of construction experience, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional service to homeowners throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding communities. Contact us today at 651-674-5699 or fill out our online form for a 100% free, no-obligation quote.

Understanding the Intruders: Identifying Animals Under Your Deck

As a homeowner, it’s important to know when wildlife is living under your deck. You can find signs like paw prints, droppings, and sounds that show their presence. Some common animals that invade decks are squirrels, opossums, raccoons, and groundhogs. These animals look for shelter, safety, and food, which make your deck a good home for them. By watching their habits and looking at the size of paw prints, you can figure out what kind of animal is underneath. Knowing these creatures is the first step for successful wildlife removal.

Common Types of Wildlife Found Under Decks

Wildlife that is often found under decks includes squirrels, raccoons, possums, and skunks. These animals like the safety and shelter that the area offers. They can dig and make nests under the deck, which can cause damage and be annoying. It is important to identify the exact type of animal for better removal methods. Knowing their behavior and habits helps to pick the best way for safe and kind wildlife removal.

Signs and Clues That Indicate Animal Presence

Paw prints, droppings, and chewed wires are clear signs that animals are active under the deck. Small animals, like squirrels, will leave behind acorns and materials for nesting. Larger animals, such as raccoons, make messy nests. Look for fresh digging near the deck’s foundation. This may mean burrowing animals like groundhogs or skunks are present. Unusual noises or smells, like a musky scent, can also mean wild animals are nearby. Regularly checking for these signs can help you find out about animal activity early. This way, you can deal with wildlife removal in time.

Why Animals Choose to Live Under Your Deck

Animals like to live under decks because it gives them protection from predators and bad weather. The space underneath is dark and private, similar to where they usually live. This makes it a good spot for wildlife looking for a safe place. Also, being close to food, like birdseed or smaller critters, makes them want to stay there. If homeowners know why this happens, they can find better ways to remove these animals while keeping them safe.

Initial Steps to Take When You Discover Animals Under Your Deck

• Assess the situation carefully. Look for signs like paw prints or droppings.
• Do not disturb the wildlife too soon. This can trigger aggressive behavior.
• Figure out if the animals are small critters or larger ones like raccoons.
• Safely check the access points they are using. Think about using wire mesh or hardware cloth to keep them out.
• Begin by digging a trench around the deck. Bury the mesh a few inches deep.
• Remember, being patient and planning well are important when dealing with animals in your space.

Assessing the Situation: How to Safely Observe and Evaluate

• Before removing wildlife, first observe and identify the animals under your deck.
• Look for signs like paw prints, droppings, or noticeable openings.
• Notice the size of the animals by checking the openings beneath the deck.
• Use tools such as wire mesh or hardware cloth for safe observation.
• Keep a distance and avoid direct contact to prevent any issues.
• It is important to understand what type of wild animals are there for effective removal methods.

The Importance of Not Disturbing the Animals Prematurely

It is very important not to bother the animals early when they are under your deck. Wild animals can act unpredictably if they feel scared. This could create dangerous situations. By not disturbing them too soon, you help them stay calm in their home. This also gives you time to think of a safe plan for their removal, keeping both you and the animals safe. Being careful can stop problems and make wildlife removal easier.

When to Call a Professional

If you have large animals under your deck, like raccoons, woodchucks, or skunks, you should call a professional for safe removal. These animals can be risky, and their removal may need special skills. If you don’t know what kind of animal is there, or if you think there might be a den with more than one animal, wildlife removal experts can help. They will ensure the removal is done in a humane way. Always focus on safety and get expert help when dealing with dangerous animals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, effectively managing and preventing animals from taking shelter under your deck is crucial for maintaining a safe and enjoyable outdoor space. By identifying the intruders, understanding their behaviors, and implementing appropriate exclusion techniques, you can protect your deck and home from potential damage and health risks.

If you’re considering building a new deck or upgrading your existing one, it’s essential to incorporate designs that deter wildlife intrusion from the outset. At Dupont Decks, we bring over 20 years of construction experience to create beautiful, durable decks tailored to your needs. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction has made us the preferred choice for homeowners throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding communities. Contact us today at 651-674-5699 or fill out our online form for a 100% free, no-obligation quote. Let us help you design a deck that enhances your outdoor living experience while keeping unwanted critters at bay.