Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Two-story semi-detached home
Problem: Skunk activity under front deck
Service: Skunk removal and exclusion
Visits: 2

Summary

We responded to a report of wildlife activity beneath a front deck at a two-story semi-detached home in Toronto. Upon inspection, a skunk was confirmed to be burrowing under the deck structure. Our team completed trench-based exclusion and installed a one-way door to allow for humane removal. The issue was resolved over two visits with no further activity reported.

Background / Property Context

The property featured a raised wooden front deck adjacent to brick foundation walls and landscaped garden beds. The deck perimeter had exposed soil along sections of the base, creating conditions suitable for burrowing wildlife.

The work took place in July under stable weather conditions, allowing for uninterrupted excavation and installation.

Customer Concern

The homeowner reported signs of an animal living under the front deck, including visible soil disturbance and suspected burrowing. The concern was potential property damage and ongoing wildlife habitation beneath the structure.

Inspection & Findings

During the initial inspection, Ardian identified an active burrow at the base of the deck. Disturbed soil and a defined tunnel opening were observed along the deck’s edge near the foundation.

Photos show:

• A burrow opening adjacent to the deck structure

• Soil displacement along the perimeter

• Open gaps between the deck skirting and ground level

• Foundation-level voids that could allow wildlife access

No additional entry points were identified beyond the primary burrowing location.

Cause Analysis

Skunks commonly seek sheltered areas beneath decks and sheds for denning, particularly during warmer months. Structures with exposed soil edges and insufficient ground-level barriers provide easy digging access.

In this case, the open perimeter beneath the deck and soft soil conditions allowed the skunk to establish a den beneath the structure.

Treatment / Removal

As part of our standard humane wildlife protocol, we excavated a trench along the accessible perimeter of the deck.

Six feet of trenching was completed, extending approximately one foot downward and six inches outward from the structure. Galvanized steel mesh was mechanically fastened to the deck base and buried below grade to prevent re-entry.

A one-way door was installed at the active burrow entrance. This device allowed the skunk to exit safely while preventing it from returning beneath the deck.

The work was completed during the first visit after approval on site.

Exclusion & Repairs

The galvanized steel mesh was secured using exterior-grade fasteners and washers to ensure durability against digging pressure. Mesh was shaped and fitted tightly along corners and foundation transitions to eliminate gaps.

Visible foundation openings near grade level were also screened with galvanized mesh to prevent secondary access points.

Outcome & Confirmation

On the second visit, the homeowner reported no further activity. The one-way door showed no signs of ongoing use.

We removed the one-way door and permanently sealed the final entry section with buried mesh. The trench was restored and compacted.

A final inspection confirmed the exclusion was intact and no additional wildlife activity was present.

Technician Notes

Ardian confirmed the burrow was consistent with skunk denning behaviour and that no dependent young were present at the time of service.

All work was completed using humane, non-lethal exclusion methods. The deck perimeter was reinforced below grade to prevent future burrowing.

This work was completed by our Toronto Wildlife control team. For Wildlife control inquiries in Toronto, contact 647-496-2211.