Job Overview

Location: Etobicoke, Ontario
Structure: Two-story detached house
Problem: Skunk activity beneath a backyard shed
Service: Humane skunk removal and underground exclusion
Visits: 2

Summary

Our team completed a two-visit humane skunk removal project at a detached home in Etobicoke after the homeowner reported skunk activity beneath a backyard shed. Technician Ardian identified the primary access point, installed a one-way door, and completed an underground galvanized steel mesh exclusion system along the accessible side of the structure. Following confirmation that the skunk had left the area, the one-way door was removed and the exclusion was permanently completed.

Background / Property Context

The shed was situated with concrete barriers along several sides, limiting excavation access. Inspection determined that only the front section of the shed could be safely trenched, making it the appropriate location for both the one-way door and the underground exclusion system.

Customer Concern

The homeowner reported signs of a skunk living beneath the shed and requested a humane solution that would remove the animal while preventing future access beneath the structure.

Inspection & Findings

Ardian inspected the perimeter of the shed and confirmed an active access point beneath the front section. The remaining sides were obstructed by existing concrete features, preventing excavation in those locations.

The photographs show:

• An excavated trench extending along the accessible side of the shed.
• Heavy galvanized steel mesh secured to the shed and extending below grade.
• A temporary one-way door installed at the active entry point.
• The completed trench after backfilling, with the underground exclusion remaining in place.
• Areas of weathered wood near the shed base where wildlife had been accessing beneath the structure.

Cause Analysis

Skunks commonly establish shelter beneath sheds because the enclosed space provides protection from weather and predators. Gaps beneath aging wooden structures can allow animals to dig underneath unless below-grade barriers are installed. An underground exclusion system helps prevent future burrowing while allowing existing animals to leave safely through a temporary one-way exit.

Treatment / Removal

During the initial visit, Ardian confirmed the activity and completed humane removal measures.

Work performed included:

• Installation of a one-way door to allow the skunk to exit without re-entering.
• Excavation of approximately ten feet along the accessible front section of the shed.
• Installation of galvanized steel mesh below grade to create a permanent underground exclusion barrier.

Exclusion & Repairs

The underground exclusion system was securely attached to the base of the shed and extended into the trench before the excavation was backfilled. This configuration helps prevent future digging beneath the structure while preserving the appearance of the yard once completed.

At the follow-up visit, the one-way door was removed after confirming the skunk had vacated, and the remaining opening was permanently secured. The completed exclusion was inspected to verify there was no further access beneath the shed.

Outcome & Confirmation

At the final visit, the homeowner reported no further skunk activity beneath the shed. The one-way door was removed, the exclusion system was confirmed to be secure, and no additional wildlife activity was observed.

Technician Notes

Ardian adapted the exclusion plan to accommodate the concrete barriers surrounding the shed. By installing a below-grade galvanized steel mesh barrier along the accessible section and using a humane one-way door, the removal was completed without allowing the skunk to regain access beneath the structure.

Job Overview

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

Summary

We were contacted regarding wildlife activity beneath the foundation of a semi-detached home. Upon inspection, a skunk was confirmed to be burrowing along the foundation wall and using the space beneath the deck as shelter.

Our team completed trenching and full exclusion along the accessible foundation wall, installed a one-way door at the primary burrow entrance, and returned for a follow-up visit to confirm the skunk had vacated. The one-way door was removed and the entry point permanently sealed. No further activity was reported.

Background / Property Context

The property is a two-story semi-detached home with a narrow side yard and deck structure at the front. The soil along the foundation was accessible and showed signs of excavation. The work took place in March under stable weather conditions, with no frozen ground or winter-related access issues.

The foundation wall and deck perimeter provided suitable cover for burrowing wildlife.

Customer Concern

The homeowner reported an animal living beneath the front deck and ongoing digging along the foundation. Activity appeared concentrated at ground level, with visible soil displacement near the structure. The concern was that the animal would continue expanding the burrow system beneath the home.

Inspection & Findings

Technician Ardian conducted a full inspection of the accessible foundation perimeter. A burrow opening was identified along the base of the foundation wall, consistent with skunk activity. Soil displacement and entry depth were typical of a shelter site rather than temporary foraging.

No additional access points were identified beyond the primary burrowing location. The surrounding foundation gap and deck perimeter were evaluated for full exclusion planning.

Photos show:

• An open foundation-level gap prior to exclusion

• Trenching along the side wall of the home

• Installation of galvanized steel mesh fastened to the foundation

• Mesh bent outward at the base to create an underground barrier

• Secured fasteners along the wall at consistent spacing

• Soil backfill following installation

Cause Analysis

Skunks commonly burrow beneath decks and along foundation walls where soil is loose and sheltered. The narrow side yard and protected deck structure provided a concealed and low-disturbance environment.

The absence of buried barrier material along the foundation allowed the skunk to excavate directly at the base of the wall. Early spring conditions often increase denning activity as animals seek stable ground-level shelter.

Treatment / Removal

We followed a standard humane wildlife removal process.

A trench was excavated along approximately ten feet of accessible foundation where burrowing activity was identified. Galvanized steel mesh was secured to the foundation wall and extended one foot below grade and six inches outward to prevent re-entry.

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

All work was completed using durable galvanized materials designed for long-term ground contact.

Exclusion & Repairs

The mesh barrier was mechanically fastened to the foundation using appropriate anchors and washers to prevent displacement. The lower portion of the mesh was bent outward and buried to create a below-grade barrier system.

After confirmation that activity had ceased, the one-way door was removed. The final section of trench at the entry point was sealed and reinforced to complete the exclusion system. Soil was compacted to restore grade along the wall.

Outcome & Confirmation

At the second visit, the homeowner reported no further activity. The one-way door showed signs of use and no new digging was present.

The door was removed, and the final opening was permanently secured. The full exclusion system was inspected and confirmed intact. No further wildlife activity was reported beneath the deck.

Technician Notes

Ardian completed trenching and exclusion along the accessible side of the foundation. Approximately ten feet of galvanized steel mesh was installed and buried one foot deep with a six-inch outward return.

The one-way door functioned as intended. Follow-up inspection confirmed successful humane removal and secure closure of the burrow system.

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

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.