Job Overview
Location: Guelph, Ontario
Structure: Split-level detached house (1970s construction)
Problem: Raccoon with babies living under a ground-level backyard deck
Service: Deck trenching and humane raccoon removal with exclusion
Visits: Two visits
Summary
We completed a two-visit raccoon removal and deck trenching service after a raccoon family established a den beneath a ground-level deck. Humane one-way doors were installed to allow the adult and mobile young to exit safely, followed by permanent sealing once activity ceased.
Background / Property Context
The property is a split-level detached home with a ground-level wooden deck attached at the rear. The deck sits close to grade and meets the foundation wall, creating concealed voids along the perimeter where wildlife can burrow and remain undetected.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported ongoing wildlife activity beneath the backyard deck, including sounds and visible soil disturbance, and requested humane removal and long-term prevention.
Inspection & Findings
Inspection confirmed an active burrow on the right side of the deck where the deck framing meets the foundation wall. Soil displacement and a defined opening indicated repeated access under the deck. Based on timing within raccoon baby season, the young were determined to be mobile but smaller than the adult.
Cause Analysis
Ground-level decks provide sheltered, low-traffic areas that appeal to denning raccoons, particularly during baby season. The tight interface between deck framing and foundation limited visibility and created a protected entry point. Soft soil conditions along the deck perimeter made burrowing easier and allowed the opening to expand over time.
Treatment / Removal
On the first visit, our team installed two humane one-way doors at the confirmed entry point: a standard adult raccoon door and a separate door designed specifically for smaller, mobile juveniles. The juvenile door prevented the adult from re-entering while allowing the young to exit safely on their own. This work was carried out by our technician, Andrew, with attention to proper door placement and stability.
Exclusion & Repairs
Once the homeowner confirmed that no further sounds or sightings were observed, we returned for the final visit. All one-way doors were removed, the burrowed area was sealed, and the deck perimeter was trenched and reinforced to block future access beneath the structure.
Outcome & Confirmation
After exclusion and sealing were completed, no further wildlife activity was reported under the deck. A final inspection confirmed the entry point was secured and the exclusion remained intact, completing the service successfully.
Technician Notes
Visit 1:
Inspected deck perimeter and located raccoon burrow on the right side where the deck meets the foundation. Installed one adult raccoon one-way door and a separate juvenile door suitable for mobile babies. Doors were positioned to prevent re-entry while allowing humane exit.
Visit 2:
Returned after activity had ceased. Removed all one-way doors, sealed the former entry point, and confirmed exclusion integrity. No additional signs of raccoon activity noted.
Photo Notes
- Images show soil excavation and trenching along the deck perimeter.
- One-way exclusion doors are visible at the foundation-deck interface.
- Post-service photos show the area backfilled and the deck perimeter restored.
Contact us at 519-900-1180 for all your raccoon removal, squirrel removal and wildlife removal needs in Guelph and surrounding areas.
