I have a client that has a deck just above ground level. They have been getting animals, skunks, etc, under the deck. The animals are burrowing to get under the skirt/facia on the deck. Anyone had any luck preventing these types of critters from getting under the deck?
Eric
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Replies
Get a bigger animal. A bobcat, perhaps?
20 gauge works well.
The ones you hit never come back again.. trust me.
I'm going to be encountering the same issue on the next house with wrap around porches raised a few feet. Fro the enclosure so far I've came up with an idea (haribrained?) of the vinyl fencing beneath the rim joist to several inches below grade but right now it's just an idea.
If you mean vinyl with no wire in it, that'll slow them down about ten seconds.You need wire at least #16, I'd say, going down two feet at least.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
I'm not exaclty sure what I mean since I've not messed with the vinyl fencing much (other than watching it melt in a grass fire one time) it's just a concept right now. The problem is the raised porch (approx 3') and how to bar the animals from getting under it. I can throw $$$ at it and pour a wall for the entire length but hoping to find something more cost effective. My dogs do a good job of keeping most critters way but there's always that one and mice & rats can sneak by most K9. The dog activity keeps the snakes away so rodents become an issue. Tried a cat one time, the dogs liked it.., with BBQ sauce. Oh, and I want it to look nice too.
Well, there's vinyl coated garden-type fence (horizontal and vertical wires welded in a grid), vinyl coated chain link, and stuff that's pure plastic and either ornamental or intended for snow fence.Critters will eat through pure plastic stuff without slowing down. They'll also eat through wood, given an edge to get started on.Besides wire another option is to bury some sort of patio/landscape block edge-down. You need to keep the joints between small -- under an inch for rabbits and even smaller for mice.Or raise the thing up high enough that the dogs can get under there.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
Try liberal use of mothballs under the deck. The added benefit would be that if it doesn't drive the critters away, at least it will prevent moth infestations in their fur.
If possible, spread the area with about 1/4" thick dusting of dry lime. Lime is caustic and burns the skin, espcially when a small amount of moisture is introduced.
Otherwise, a physical barrier top to bottom and slightly below grade. Lime and a physical barrier would be best.
You making them supply their own salt and tequila??
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
Corona.
Clearly some of you have already been into the corona, as the idea of a bobcat and a 20ga illustrate. In a rural setting I would go with those ideas, however, this is a suburban setting and not very viable.In any event, I have thought about using a wire based barrier, however, I am concerned about corrosion. I like the vinyl coated idea as it may prolong the life expectancy. As to the idea of dry lime, there are some small children in the house, so clearly I want to stay away from the chemical arena.Thanks all,
Eric
fence and lime.
the lime is caustic and a desicant but it is also non toxic, realy.
actually.
honest.
We have legendary rabbits around here, and have rabbit-proofed our orchard and a raised bed area. Both areas are fenced, and there is 48" wide chicken wire stapled along the fencing and buried about a foot all the way along. It is a pain to do but it works. The fill the trench partly will small rocks in the hopes that it will hurt their paws more and make them want to burrow a little less. Having a terrier helps too, but everyone around here does the chicken wire thing.