Inspection First
Determine whether the space is active before closing access.
Wildlife Exclusion & Prevention
Deck & Shed Wildlife Proofing
Wildlife can take advantage of openings around decks and sheds to create sheltered spaces for denning and activity. Reliant provides inspection, active-wildlife exclusion where needed, and full-perimeter proofing using galvanized wire mesh trenched into the ground.
Whether wildlife is already underneath the structure or you want to reduce the chance of future digging and access, the first step is understanding the condition of the perimeter and whether the space is currently occupied.
Serving Toronto, the GTA and selected surrounding communities.
Key Deck & Shed Proofing Facts
Galvanized Wire Mesh
Durable physical exclusion material used for deck and shed proofing.
Trenched Installation
Full proofing extends the mesh into the ground around the applicable perimeter.
1-Year Proofing Guarantee
Full-perimeter proofing is backed by Reliant's one-year guarantee on the proofing work installed.
Shelter & Access
Why Wildlife Gets Under Decks and Sheds
The space beneath a deck or shed can provide the shelter wildlife is looking for. Low openings, exposed soil and protected cavities can allow animals to establish a den or repeatedly access the same area.
Simply closing the opening being used today does not necessarily address the rest of an accessible perimeter. If other sections remain vulnerable, wildlife may investigate or dig at another location.
Full perimeter proofing addresses that broader vulnerability by creating a physical barrier along the area being protected.
What to Watch For
Signs Wildlife May Be Using the Space
These signs can indicate activity beneath a deck or shed, although an inspection may be needed to determine what is actually happening.
Fresh Digging
Recently disturbed soil or an opening beneath the edge of the structure.
Repeated Wildlife Sightings
Animals repeatedly travelling to or from the same section of the deck or shed.
Tracks or Disturbed Ground
Tracks, worn pathways or soil movement around the perimeter.
Noises
Scratching, movement or other sounds coming from beneath the structure.
Odours
Persistent wildlife or den-related odours around a deck or shed.
Damaged Perimeter Materials
Loose skirting, displaced material or other areas that appear to have been pushed or dug open.
Assess Before Closing
Inspection Comes Before Closing the Perimeter
An opening should not simply be sealed without considering whether wildlife is still using the space.
Reliant first assesses the structure, visible entry points, surrounding ground and signs of current activity. If wildlife is actively underneath the deck or shed, the removal or exclusion stage needs to be addressed before the access point is permanently secured.
The approach may also need to change if conditions indicate that dependent young could be present.
The goal is to resolve the current activity without creating another problem beneath the structure.
Choose the Correct Scope
Wildlife Removal and Full Proofing Are Different Services
Active Wildlife Removal / Exclusion
When an animal is actively using an opening beneath the deck or shed, Reliant addresses the current access point.
Where appropriate, a one-way door is installed at the active opening so the animal can leave without using that opening to return. Surrounding accessible openings are sealed with galvanized wire mesh.
After the wildlife has exited and the situation has been resolved, the active opening can be secured.
This work addresses the current wildlife entry. It does not automatically mean that the entire deck or shed perimeter has been proofed.
Full Deck & Shed Proofing
Full proofing goes further.
Galvanized wire mesh is installed along the applicable perimeter and trenched into the ground to create a physical barrier against future digging and access.
This service is intended for customers who want the broader perimeter protected rather than only the opening involved in the current wildlife problem.
The Reliant Process
How Deck & Shed Wildlife Proofing Works
Inspect the Structure
Assess the deck or shed perimeter, ground conditions, existing openings, signs of activity and installation access.
Address Active Wildlife if Needed
If wildlife is currently underneath the structure, determine the appropriate exclusion approach. A one-way door may be used at the active opening when appropriate.
Install Full-Perimeter Proofing
For full proofing, galvanized wire mesh is fitted along the applicable perimeter and trenched into the ground.
Check the Completed Work
Review the installed proofing and identify the area covered by the service and applicable guarantee.
Galvanized Mesh Installation
A Physical Barrier Against Digging and Re-Entry
Full deck and shed proofing uses galvanized wire mesh installed along the applicable perimeter and trenched into the ground.
The underground portion helps create a physical barrier where animals might otherwise dig beneath an exposed edge and form another opening.
Installation is adapted to the structure, accessibility and ground conditions at the property.
This is different from simply covering a visible opening or installing decorative skirting. The purpose of the proofing is to address the vulnerable perimeter itself.
Common Activity
Wildlife That May Use Decks and Sheds
Skunks
Skunks can dig beneath decks and sheds and use the protected space as a den.
Raccoons
Raccoons may use sheltered spaces beneath decks and sheds when suitable access is available.
Groundhogs
Groundhogs are capable diggers and may create burrows beneath or beside structures.
Other wildlife may also investigate sheltered areas. Inspection helps determine the actual activity and the appropriate response.
Scope-Based Quoting
What Affects Deck & Shed Proofing Cost?
Deck and shed proofing is quoted according to the actual structure and scope of work rather than one universal price.
Perimeter Length
The amount of deck or shed perimeter requiring proofing.
Access
How easily the work area can be reached and excavated.
Ground Conditions
Soil, grade and other site conditions that affect trenching and installation.
Existing Materials
Skirting, landscaping and other materials around the structure that affect access.
Current Wildlife Activity
Whether an active wildlife issue must be addressed before full proofing.
Structure Configuration
Corners, stairs, additions and other construction details that affect the installation.
A site-specific quote keeps the proposed work aligned with the structure and the service actually needed.
Request a Quote
Covered Proofing Work
1-Year Deck & Shed Proofing Guarantee
Full deck and shed perimeter proofing installed by Reliant includes a one-year guarantee on the proofing work we install.
If wildlife creates an opening through a covered section of Reliant's installed proofing during the one-year guarantee period, contact us. We will return to inspect and re-secure the covered opening at no additional charge.
The guarantee applies to the proofing installed by Reliant. It does not automatically extend to new openings outside the proofed area or to separate wildlife-removal work.
Service terms apply.
Answers Before Service
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is deck and shed wildlife proofing?
Deck and shed wildlife proofing is structural exclusion work designed to reduce wildlife access beneath these structures. Reliant uses galvanized wire mesh installed along the applicable perimeter and trenched into the ground for full-perimeter proofing.
2. What happens if an animal is already under my deck or shed?
The active wildlife issue needs to be assessed before the area is permanently closed. Where appropriate, Reliant may install a one-way door at the active opening and seal surrounding accessible openings so the animal can exit without returning through those areas.
3. Is wildlife removal the same as full deck or shed proofing?
No. Wildlife removal or active exclusion addresses the animal and the openings involved in the current problem. Full proofing is a broader service that protects the applicable deck or shed perimeter against new digging and access.
4. What material do you use for deck and shed proofing?
Reliant primarily uses galvanized wire mesh for this type of exclusion work.
5. Is the wire mesh installed underground?
For full deck and shed proofing, the galvanized mesh is trenched into the ground around the applicable perimeter to create a physical barrier against digging.
6. Can you just seal the opening the animal is using?
For an active wildlife problem, the immediate opening and surrounding accessible openings may be addressed as part of the removal/exclusion work. That is different from full-perimeter proofing. If other parts of the perimeter remain accessible, they are not automatically included unless full proofing is part of the service.
7. What animals commonly go under decks and sheds?
Skunks, raccoons and groundhogs are among the wildlife that may use sheltered spaces beneath decks and sheds. The actual species and activity should be assessed before deciding on the appropriate service.
8. How much does deck or shed proofing cost?
Cost depends on factors such as perimeter length, structure configuration, access, soil conditions, existing materials and whether active wildlife removal is needed before proofing. Reliant can provide a quote based on the actual scope of work.
9. Is deck and shed proofing guaranteed?
Full-perimeter deck and shed proofing installed by Reliant includes a one-year guarantee on the proofing work installed. If wildlife creates an opening through a covered section during that period, Reliant will return to inspect and re-secure the covered opening at no additional charge. The guarantee applies to Reliant’s proofed area and does not automatically cover new openings elsewhere or separate wildlife-removal work. Service terms apply.
Request an Inspection
Stop Wildlife From Digging Under Your Deck or Shed
Whether you're dealing with an active opening or want full-perimeter proofing, Reliant can inspect the structure and recommend the appropriate next step.