If you've heard scratching, seen droppings, or noticed dug-out dirt near your deck or porch, you might be playing host to an unexpected guest. Animals like raccoons, skunks, opossums, chipmunks, and groundhogs often use the space under your deck as a den.
Not only are wildlife infestations annoying, but they can also cause damage and health concerns over time. In this post, we’ll explain how to tell if animals are living under your deck, why DIY wildlife removal is not the way to go, and what you can do to prevent infestations in the future.
Common Animals That Live Under Decks & Porches
The space under your deck provides warmth, shelter, and protection, all things nuisance wildlife seeks out. Some of the most common intruders include:
- Raccoons: These clever animals may leave droppings, damage insulation, and even try to access your garbage.
- Skunks: Known for their smell, skunks under porches can also dig burrows and damage your yard.
- Opossums: These nocturnal animals often use quiet, enclosed spaces to raise their young.
- Chipmunks: Small but destructive, chipmunks can dig around foundation lines and attract predators.
- Groundhogs (Woodchucks): These diggers can undermine your deck structure with their extensive burrow systems.
Warning Signs of Wildlife Living Under Your Deck
Not sure if an animal is hiding out under your porch? Here are some telltale signs:
- Scratch marks or droppings around the deck area.
- Strong odors (especially with skunks).
- Visible holes or burrows near the foundation.
- Nighttime rustling or sounds of movement.
If you're dealing with a skunk under the porch, you may also smell their spray. This is a clear sign to stay back and call in the pros!
Wildlife Infestation? Don’t DIY & Here’s Why
You might be tempted to handle the problem yourself, but removing wildlife from tight, dark spaces can be dangerous.
- Animal bites and scratches: Many animals will defend their den aggressively.
- Disease risk: Raccoons, skunks, and opossums can carry rabies and other diseases.
- State regulations: Trapping or relocating animals without a license may be illegal.
Instead of risking your safety, let certified wildlife control technicians, like those at Varment Guard, handle the job.
How The Pros Remove Animals Under Your Deck Quickly & Efficiently
The best way to get rid of raccoons under your deck or evict a groundhog living under your porch is to get help from Varment Guard. Our experts:
- Inspect your property and identify the entry point.
- Use humane trapping and one-way exclusion devices.
- Seal off the space under your deck to prevent reentry.
- Offer cleanup and damage repair if needed.
We tailor each solution to the species and your property conditions to ensure long-term prevention.
How to Prevent Animals from Getting Under Your Deck
Removing wildlife from your home is a job best left to professionals. However, there are things you can do yourself to prevent animals from making your deck or porch their home. Here’s how:
- Install exclusion barriers: Use heavy-duty, wildlife-proof screening or galvanized hardware cloth to close off gaps along the base of your deck. Secure it at least 12 inches underground to prevent animals from digging underneath.
- Clear food sources: Wildlife is drawn to easy meals. Make sure trash cans have tight-fitting lids, store pet food indoors, and regularly sweep up birdseed or fallen fruit from nearby trees.
- Trim landscaping: Dense shrubs and overgrown plants near your deck provide cover for animals seeking shelter. Trim back vegetation to eliminate hiding spots and reduce accessibility.
You can implement these measures to keep wildlife away. For ultimate peace of mind, let our team handle it. Varment Guard provides customized wildlife exclusion services for long-term prevention.
Keep Wildlife Away From Your Space: Schedule Wildlife Removal & Prevention With Varment Guard
Whether you’re dealing with an opossum under your deck, trying to get rid of chipmunks under the porch, or wondering how to get rid of a groundhog living near your space, we can help. At Varment Guard, we believe in humane removal, expert repair, and prevention that lasts. Contact us today to schedule a local inspection and reclaim your porch or deck.
