Deck Exclusion Question

I have an opportunity to do my first deck exclusion job and I have a question on the proper material to use. I trapped an oppossum for a customer and there were several entrances under the deck. She also mentioned seeing skunks in the yard as well. I offered to install screening to keep critters out and she is interested in me doing that. My question is what type of screening should I use. I checked at the local Menards and the heaviest hardware cloth they had was galvanized 1/2"x1/2" in 19 gauge. At Tractor Supply they had galvanized welded wire 1"x1" in 16 gauge. Can someone advise if either of these products would be suitable? I'm thinking the 19 gauge might be a bit light (??). Can someone recommend a vendor that would have the proper screening? Pardon my ignorance as I'm breaking new ground here. Thanks all. Mike

Half inch hardware cloth will work.

Make sure it travels out, away from the deck once it hits the ground.

Ground hogs and coons will go through 19 gauge like a knife through hot butter. That has been my experience. For ground hogs, I an net even sure 16 gauge is any more that enough. 1 ft. into the ground and 1 ft out. JMO

I use flat panels from tomahawk. Works perfect. Same wire the AAC proline traps are made from

Only time I use a real rigid cloth is when I have to install a barrier with significant spacing. Everything else is clothed in with 1/2 19 gauge or something similar, right from home depot.

I appreciate all the help on this. What is a standard warranty period for a deck exclusion? 3 years? Five? Thanks again. Mike

To save on shipping costs, I usually purchased cage wire/exclusion wire from local lumber yards, farmers supply coops, etc. If they don’t have what is needed, they will add it to their next supply order. It is usually much cheaper to purchase a whole roll rather than by the foot. I usually bought it in three or four-foot widths and 100-foot rolls. Try to purchase GAW (galvanized after welding) weld wire. It comes in various size mesh and gauge.

Warranty it for what you have to. If nothing gets in the first year, it's not likely they will get in in 3, or 5.

On any exclusion, if the animal really wants in, they'll get in. But its usually much easier for them to get under the neighbor's deck. So they do.

I use vinyl coated 16 gauge 1 x 1 from Fencer Wire. They have free shipping on all vinyl coated wire. I've been pleased with it and it's reasonable in price. Actually cheaper than my local source - and that stuff isn't coated.

I use Klubertanz half by one inch if I need to keep smaller animals out. The money is in the labor, so use quality wire, your client deserves it. I expect my exclusions to last for decades, not a few years.

Thanks for the tip on Fencer Wire. I just looked at their website. Good variety of materials and nicely priced.

From my research it looks like the typical method for attaching the wire to the deck is to use one inch fender washers and pan head screws. Should these be spaced 6 inches apart or 12 inches? I have 50 feet of deck to do. Thanks

Attachment depends on what you are attaching to. When it is a solid wood plate I'll be attaching to, I prefer to use pressure treated furring strips versus fender washers. When I'm attaching to an area (brick, concrete, wood) that is below ground I'll use the appropriate type screw and a 1 1/4" fender washer. For the furring strips, make sure to pre-drill holes at 12" - 18" intervals so you don't split the wood and then install the wire and attach the strips with decking screws. This gives a nice overall appearance without wire or fender washers showing. The large surface area also helps prevent lighter wire from being stressed at the attachment point compared to a fender washer. For the wire, 1/2" x 1/2" will keep out chipmunks, snakes, mice and larger. For 1/2" x 1/2", I prefer 19 gauge as it is still pliable enough to work with easily. If you aren't concerned about the smaller animals, 1" x 1" will keep out just about everything. Just keep in mind what Jim Bethell mentioned about groundhogs, so you may want to go with 16 gauge versus 19 gauge in those situations. You can also split the difference and go with 1/2" x 1" in 19 or 16 gauge to get the best bang for your buck. Also, I prefer vinyl coated wire as it helps protect the product when it is buried, looks better with or without lattice to hide the wire, but in the past I've used 28 gauge 1/2 x 1/2 hardware cloth with no problems and still going strong 19 years later.

What's most important is how you install the barrier. As stated, if the animals want in they will challenge the barrier so start with that mindset. Determine why the animals are under the deck to start with (e.g., den site, resting area, etc.) and look for obstructions (rocks, tree roots, landscaping plants, concrete) and other items such as cables, sprinkler hoses, etc. Also, don't forget to look for any slope coming from the deck area. If you have a raised deck with a medium slope, you'll need to extend the wire farther to prevent the animals from digging underneath it or make sure to say that you can't guarantee it as there is too much of an area animals can use to dig underneath the wire.

When I install the wire, I want to cover the opening and still have at least 18" of wire going away from the deck. When possible, I like to have 24" as it just gives that much more protection, but based on the opening height that may require 30", 36" or even 48" wire widths which based on the wire you choose, may not be an option (either because it isn't manufactured or the weight means they have to ship it freight versus FedEx or UPS). Remember, if the animal is standing on the wire, they can't dig underneath it - they can only dig through it. This is why you may want to go with a thicker gauge wire when dealing with den sites versus just resting areas. I like to put the wire only 2 - 4" below ground as I want the animal to hit it as soon as possible. If you go the "standard" 12" down, they can still do a lot of digging before being discouraged and it can generate a callback. Keep in mind that you may have to stake the wire down when you go as shall as I like because there isn't enough weight from the cover dirt to keep it down. Again, the longer the wire run, the better for when something happens. Also, if you have a sprinkler hoses or wires, you can't go that deep anyway and watch for them when you put in the spikes to hold the wire down.

Lastly, when you've got landscape issues don't be afraid to dig them up and replant them. The replanting can be difficult as you may have to breech the wire to do so (this is a case where you may have to go deeper in order to allow the plants to be replanted without issues) so discuss what the client wants to do with them ahead of time as you may need to account for the additional labor with your price.

Here is a photo of the deck. There is an older access hole covered by leaves to the right of the step. The main access holes are on the far side that you cannot see in the photo (below the covered grill).

I suggested to the lady that we should also install screening under the steps to ensure a complete job even though there are no signs of digging at the steps.

Did I give her proper advice? Mike

Good advice, WCT. I usually bend a one inch flange on then go down six to ten inches and out at least 12". You need this much space to get your drill in to drill UP into the treated material. I find this best. I use a two inch outdoor rated torx head deck screw and 1.25" washer. By attaching to the bottom of the material every foot, it is plenty strong and discreet. Yes, I would screen the entire length, otherwise you may well have wasted your time.

You could use Dig Defense there if it's mainly for skunks and bigger

Mike027,

When doing exclusions do everything or do nothing. In this case, the stairs are part of the deck so yes, you are right but don't offer it as a suggestion. Either she does the entire deck or she doesn't. This will help prevent call backs wanting warranty work and then having to do another trip to "add" to your original work.

Been using 1/2 hardware cloth for 12 years ...give 5 year warranty...never had a call back ...not once