Controlling Animal Pests
from building a nest under structures
***Exclusionary Work***
If you are having problems with animals living under your porch, shed or
other raised structure the best way to keep them out is to seal off the
area with wire mesh. The mesh will not only allow for air
circulation but will also keep organic material such as plants and tree
leaves from accumulating under the structure. Using cheap "chicken
wire" will only work temporarily as the wire is thin and is subject to
destruction by large animals such as skunks or raccoons. My experience shows that the best mesh to use for this application is 16 gauge, 1/2" X 1/2" galvanized, vinyl coated wire.
Installation of this type of wire mesh requires a trench to be dug
around the perimeter of the structure. Location and ground/soil
conditions will dictate how deep the trench should be dug. After securing the mesh vertically to a sound structure the bottom portion is bent out and spread horizontally. The bottom portion is then buried and allowed to be
overgrown with grass or plant material. Any animal that attempts to dig
under the structure will come across the wire mesh and will soon
abandon his or her endeavors.
