https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ax3L3uOUeU
If you would like to animal proof your deck, patio or bay window from mice, chipmunks, raccoons, skunks and groundhogs, there’s only one real way to do it. You’ll want to trench the area you’d like to protect.

What is trenching or placing an animal excluder?

The most effective method to prevent animals from getting under your deck is erecting a physical barrier called “trenching.”

This is a device that secures the area you would like to keep animals from entering. This is a secure barrier that does not allow even the smallest mice from entering. If you’re going to take the time to keep one animal out, you might as well go the distance to keep all animals out!

Animals that this process will keep out: Mice, rats, bats, chipmunks, squirrels, skunks, vols, groundhogs, possums, dogs, cats and more.

How do I properly animal proof my deck, patio or stoop?

  • Dig down 12″ inches & 6 inches wide around the structure.
    12 inch deep trench for animal proofing
    This is very important to use both meshes as many critters can chew through the 1/4″ inch mesh.
    When doubling up using both the 1/4″ and 1/2″ inch meshes, it assures that no animal can penetrate through.
    Making sure to leave no holes that would allow even a mouse to enter (size of a dime).
  • Place and secure 1/2″ inch and 1/4″ wire mesh.
    securing animal proofing mesh
    This is very important to use both meshes as many critters can chew through the 1/4″ inch mesh.
    When doubling up using both the 1/4″ and 1/2″ inch meshes, it assures that no animal can penetrate through.
    Making sure to leave no holes that would allow even a mouse to enter (size of a dime).
    The wire mesh is made into the shape of a J.
    J shaped animal proofing mesh
    This is a very important detail as the animals, with traditional barriers, will dig down and then when there is no barrier left, they will dig forward and around the mesh. With the mesh made into the shape of a “J”, the animals will have no option other than to back themselves out and try again until they are exhausted to keep trying. They’ll then go look for an easier target (the neighbors?).
  • Secure the mesh in place.
    place animal proof mesh in place
    When securing the mesh to the surfaces, you have to make sure that there are zero gaps large enough for any animal to pass through. Mice Hunters always screws the mesh in place to concrete or other surfaces and, where possible, caulking the animal mesh in place.
  • Bury the mesh and enjoy a critter free area.
    burying animal proof meshing
    When burying the mesh, be sure the compact the dirt and then add more on top to assure that when it rains, that there is no soil loss above the trench.
    animal proof barrier around deck

This process is good for many structures that include decks, patios, bay windows, stoops and porches.

Digging a trench and placing critter-proof wire mesh is difficult, yes, however it is well worth the effort.

If you have mice or critters living under your deck, patio or stoop and live in the Chicagoland area, but don’t want to do the work yourself, give us a call!

847-499-1008
https://micehunters.com