Groundhog Proof Shed
Have there been animals like woodchucks digging under your shed lately?
Did you even go so far as to trap them last year and have new ones move back in this year?
If so, you are not alone.
Animals like opossums, skunks, and groundhogs/woodchucks are cavity dwellers. When around our man-made structures, these animals often make good use of the opportunities we give them.
A groundhog that has a cozy den under your shed is indeed a happy groundhog.
The Ultimate Prevention for Digging Animals
Rather than trap new offenders year after year, we recommend prevention of these diggers through foundation exclusion. Yes, we can animal-proof buildings from digging animals like woodchucks.
Simply put, we place a durable wire mesh down all along the foundation. An animal may try to dig under the deck or shed, but it soon meets the resistance of the wire, gives up, and moves on.
This method is the gold standard of the prevention of den diggers like groundhogs and skunks.
To the right and left is a shed which had a family of groundhogs under it.
The pictures shows the excavation that was dug around the building.
Heavy duty wire mesh was then placed at a right angle to the foundation.
Once that is mostly in place, traps are set and the groundhogs are removed.
Then, when no more animals are moving in or out, it can all be filled in with the wire providing lasting protection against future diggers.
It is a fair amount of work, but if the goal is to prevent future animal-under-the-shed problems this will assure it.
Woodchucks Removed Under Shed
This exclusion work goes hand in hand with trapping the groundhogs already living under the shed.
These two groundhogs were caught at the recent job pictured above.
Trapping the woodchucks is accomplished by blocking off all points of entry except where traps are placed.
The groundhogs are captured efficiently as they move in or out of the den.
This method of trapping was discussed in a recent blog.
Do it right and, ta-dah, you have a groundhog-free shed!
Works for Decks and Other Animals Too!
This method can be used for decks as well or other digging animals.
Here is an older video where Ryan sealed off a deck that skunks were using.
Animal Proof Sheds for Akron, Canton, Kent
If you’d like to animal proof your shed and you live in our service area, please contact us today.
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