Job Overview
Location: Newmarket, Ontario
Structure: Attached two-storey brick home with built-in garage and front deck
Problem: Skunk activity and suspected denning under the front deck
Service: Skunk removal and deck exclusion
Visits: 2
Summary
We completed a two-visit skunk removal service at a residential property in Newmarket after ongoing wildlife activity was reported near the front deck. Our team confirmed active burrowing beneath the deck and installed a humane, non-lethal one-way exclusion system combined with buried galvanized mesh to prevent re-entry. A follow-up visit confirmed successful removal and no further activity.
Background / Property Context
The home is an attached, two-storey brick structure with a raised front deck connected near the foundation. The deck perimeter had soil exposure and landscaping beds adjacent to the structure, creating suitable conditions for wildlife to dig and shelter underneath.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported frequent skunk activity on the property and was concerned that an animal had established a den beneath the front deck.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, our team identified signs of burrowing along the side of the front deck, close to the home’s foundation. Disturbed soil and an open void beneath the deck indicated an active entry point being used for denning. No interior entry points were observed.
Cause Analysis
Skunks commonly seek sheltered, low-clearance areas for denning, especially under decks and sheds. The raised deck and exposed soil perimeter provided an accessible entry point. Proximity to the foundation and soft ground conditions likely made this location suitable for repeated access.
Treatment / Removal
A humane, non-lethal skunk removal approach was used. A one-way door was installed at the primary entry point to allow the animal to exit naturally while preventing re-entry. No trapping or relocation was performed.
Exclusion & Repairs
A trench approximately one foot deep and six inches outward was excavated along the exposed section of the deck. Roughly eighteen feet of galvanized steel mesh was installed and buried to form a continuous underground barrier. The mesh was secured along the deck edge and foundation line to eliminate future access points.
Additional mesh exclusion was fitted tightly around nearby structural gaps, including areas adjacent to the foundation and utility penetrations visible near the deck.
Outcome & Confirmation
At the second visit, the homeowner reported no further skunk activity. The one-way door was removed, the opening was permanently sealed, and the entire exclusion system was inspected. All mesh remained secure, and no new digging or wildlife signs were observed.
Technician Notes
Josh completed both visits, including inspection, trenching, mesh installation, and final confirmation. All work was performed using humane wildlife exclusion methods. The site was left stable with soil restored over buried mesh, and the deck perimeter was fully secured against future entry.
This service was completed by our Newmarket wildlife team. For wildlife removal inquiries in Newmarket, contact 519-900-1180.