Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Three-story Victorian century home with a front deck
Problem: Wildlife activity reported under front deck
Service: Raccoon removal and deck exclusion
Visits: Two

Summary

The customer reported a wild animal living under the deck. After an inspection it was clear the animal was a raccoon. Our team completed a two-visit raccoon removal and exclusion project at a century home in Toronto. Activity was confirmed beneath the front deck, and a full perimeter trench-and-mesh exclusion system was installed with a one-way door. Follow-up confirmed successful eviction and no further wildlife activity.

Background / Property Context

The property is a three-story Victorian-era home with an elevated front deck. Older homes with deck structures often have accessible soil edges and gaps at grade, which can attract burrowing wildlife seeking shelter.

Customer Concern

The homeowner reported ongoing animal activity under the front deck during the summer months. There were no reports of odour or spraying, but repeated movement suggested a larger animal using the area as a den.

Inspection & Findings

During the initial inspection, signs consistent with raccoon activity were observed beneath the deck. These included disturbed soil along the foundation edge and an active burrowing entry point. No evidence of skunk activity was noted.

Photos from the inspection show:

• An opening at the base of the foundation consistent with wildlife entry
• Disturbed soil and debris beneath the deck
• Accumulated natural material consistent with nesting behaviour

Based on these findings, the activity was identified as raccoon-related.

 

 

Cause Analysis

Raccoons commonly use decked structures as denning sites due to overhead cover and easy soil access. The age of the home and the deck construction created gaps along the foundation edge. Seasonal behaviour during summer and early fall increases the likelihood of raccoons establishing temporary shelter in these areas.

Treatment / Removal

A humane, non-lethal removal approach was used. A one-way door was installed at the identified burrowing entrance, allowing the raccoon to exit while preventing re-entry. The door remained in place to ensure the animal had vacated the space fully.

Exclusion & Repairs

A trench was dug around the full accessible perimeter of the deck. Galvanized steel mesh was mechanically fastened to the structure and buried approximately one foot down and extended outward to prevent future digging. Additional screening was installed where needed along the foundation and vent areas. All work was completed by our team using standard wildlife exclusion practices.

 

Outcome & Confirmation

At the follow-up visit, the homeowner reported no further activity under the deck. The one-way door was removed, and the trenching was sealed at the former entry point. A final inspection confirmed the exclusion remained intact and no signs of continued wildlife presence were observed.

Technician Notes

The work was completed over two visits by our technician, Richard. No site limitations were encountered. The exclusion system was installed successfully, and the area was left secure against future raccoon entry.

This work was completed by our Toronto Wildlife control team. For Wildlife control inquiries in Toronto, contact 647-560-3988.