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Keeping Wildlife from Getting Under Decks, Porches, and Foundations
The Importance of Wire Exclusion to Stop Groundhogs, Skunks, and More
At Frontline Animal Removal, we regularly help Northeast Ohio homeowners deal with nuisance animals like groundhogs, skunks, and opossums—especially when these animals decide to make a home underneath decks, porches, sheds, and even foundation slabs. While trapping these animals is an important part of the process, it’s not the complete solution. To stop animals from coming back, we need to keep them out for good.
That’s where wire exclusions come in.
Why Exclusion is Necessary
Digging animals like groundhogs and skunks are persistent and resourceful. Once they find a cozy den under your shed or porch, they’ll keep coming back year after year—unless we take away the opportunity.
You may have even had animals removed in the past, only to find that new ones showed up later. That’s because unless the structure is properly animal-proofed, it remains an open invitation.
The answer is not endless trapping—it’s permanent prevention.
What Is a Wire Exclusion?
A wire exclusion involves installing a barrier of heavy-duty galvanized steel mesh along the perimeter of a structure—deck, porch, shed, or foundation. This mesh is:
- Securely attached to the base of the structure
- Buried into the ground and then extended outward in an L-shape
- Impossible to chew through or dig past
When a skunk or groundhog attempts to dig near the foundation, it encounters this barrier. The animal can’t chew it, can’t bend it, and can’t bypass it. After several failed attempts, it gives up and moves on.
This is the gold standard for stopping den-digging wildlife.
For more details, see our full page on deck, shed, and foundation animal-proofing.
The Process of a Proper Wire Exclusion
At Frontline Animal Removal, we perform wire exclusions after we’ve confirmed the animals are gone. Here’s how it works:
- Inspection & Assessment
We evaluate the area and identify how and where animals are gaining access. - Humane Removal
Any current residents are trapped and removed according to Ohio wildlife laws.
(Learn more about groundhog removal here). - Wire Installation
We install heavy-gauge wire mesh that is secured to the structure, buried into the ground, and angled outward to block digging attempts. - Reinforcement
Gaps and vulnerable points are sealed, and repairs are made if necessary. - Follow-Up & Guarantee
Our work is designed to be a long-term fix, not a temporary patch.
A Real-Life Example (And a Lesson Learned)
We’ll be sharing a video soon that shows a recent groundhog job we were called to after a DIY exclusion attempt failed.
In this case, the homeowner tried to do everything right—they used wire mesh and buried it—but a few small mistakes made a big difference:
- The wire didn’t go deep enough
- There were gaps in the corners
- The mesh wasn’t firmly attached to the structure
Unfortunately, these oversights allowed the groundhogs to get right back in. The animals found the weak points and exploited them.
This is a good reminder that professional installation matters. Wildlife doesn’t need a wide-open door—they only need a small flaw to re-enter.
Long-Term Benefits of Wire Exclusion
When done right, wire exclusion offers lasting peace of mind. Here’s why:
✅ No more re-trapping
✅ Stops costly damage to your property
✅ Protects structures from erosion or collapse caused by burrowing
✅ Keeps wild animals where they belong—in the wild
At Frontline Animal Removal, we don’t just remove the problem—we prevent it from coming back.
Ready to Protect Your Property?
If you’re tired of animals taking up residence under your porch, deck, or shed, we’re here to help. Our wire exclusion work is designed to permanently stop wildlife intrusions, giving you confidence that your home and yard are protected.
📞 Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our exclusion services.
And be sure to check back soon for our new video showing what happens when wire exclusion isn’t done quite right!
Frontline Animal Removal
Serving Canton, Akron, Kent, and all of Stark, Summit, and Portage Counties
Professional Wildlife Removal and Repair Services
Here is a bonus video that shows a secure, tough wire exclusion for a home’s foundation:
