Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Semi-attached two-story house with second story built into the roof
Problem: Raccoon activity reported under a deck
Service: Raccoon exclusion
Visits: 2

Summary

We were contacted regarding suspected raccoon activity beneath a rear deck. During inspection, our team confirmed that the animals were not living under the deck itself, but instead had established a denning area within a narrow void between two side fences adjacent to the house. A humane exclusion and full mesh containment were completed over two visits, with no further activity reported following completion.

Background / Property Context

The property is a semi-attached home with limited side-yard clearance. A deck spans the width of the rear yard, restricting access beneath it and concentrating animal movement along the narrow fence line beside the structure. This created a concealed and sheltered corridor suitable for wildlife denning.

Customer Concern

The homeowner reported raccoon activity believed to be coming from under the deck, with concerns about ongoing noise and the presence of young animals.

Inspection & Findings

Inspection confirmed raccoon occupancy within the confined space between two parallel fences along the side of the house. Evidence indicated an adult raccoon and mobile young using this corridor, with access extending toward the deck area. No active denning was found directly beneath the deck structure.

Photos show a long, narrow gap between fence structures and the house, with exposed soil at the base and overhead coverage created by adjacent structures. The area appeared shielded from view and weather.

Cause Analysis

The issue developed due to a combination of tight structural spacing and limited human access along the side of the house. The fence configuration created a protected travel and nesting corridor that raccoons could access from ground level. Seasonal breeding behavior likely contributed to the presence of both an adult raccoon and young in this location.

Treatment / Removal

Because the deck spanned the full width of the yard and could not be excluded directly, exclusion efforts focused on the side fence corridor. Galvanized steel mesh was installed along both sides and across the top of the fenced gap to fully contain the area. One-way doors were installed to allow the adult raccoon and mobile young to exit safely without re-entry. All work was completed using humane, non-lethal methods.

Exclusion & Repairs

The steel mesh was securely fastened to existing wood and structural surfaces using mechanical fasteners and washers. Mesh coverage extended from ground level to the upper fence line to eliminate climb-back opportunities. Photos show tightly secured galvanized mesh following the contour of the fence line and house, with no visible gaps remaining.

Outcome & Confirmation

At the follow-up visit, the homeowner reported no new raccoon activity. The one-way doors were removed, and the exclusion work was inspected in full. No movement, entry attempts, or signs of wildlife activity were observed through the fenced corridor or beneath the deck. The exclusion remained intact, and the issue was considered resolved.

Technician Notes

The work was completed over two visits by our technician, Ardian. Due to the deck occupying the entire yard width, exclusion under the deck was not feasible; however, full containment of the side fence corridor successfully addressed the access point. All materials remained secure at the final inspection.