How To Animal-Proof a Porch

Even animal lovers have to admit they aren’t too thrilled when they discover that a raccoon, skunk, or other wildlife has set up house under their porch. If you have unwanted critters creeping around, animal-proofing the area can help prevent damage and maintain a clean, safe outdoor space. In our article, we’ll explain how to animal-proof a porch. You can also watch the video above for a visual guide featuring This Old House’s general contractor, Tom Silva, as he demonstrates effective techniques for animal-proofing a porch.

Understanding the Need for Animal-Proofing

Before diving into this project, we’ll list common animals that might be attracted to your porch and the potential risks they pose.

Common Porch Invaders

Several types of animals may seek shelter under a porch, including the following:

• Feral cats
• Groundhogs
• Opossums
• Raccoons
• Skunks

When these animals are in search of a den or nest, they’re often drawn to porches because of their privacy and cover.

Risks of Animal Intrusion

You may be tempted to allow an animal to take up residence under your porch, but it can lead to various problems, such as:

• Aggressive encounters with pets or humans
• Health hazards from animal waste
• Structural damage to the porch
• Unpleasant odors

Additionally, these critters can carry diseases, such as rabies. Since they pose a significant health risk to both humans and pets, you have to address issues promptly and effectively. 

Essential Tools and Materials To Animal-Proof a Porch

Having your tools readily available will help you complete this project faster and more effectively because you won’t need to make any trips to the store halfway through the project. To animal-proof your porch, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• Aviation snips
• Hammer
• Hardware cloth (1/4-inch mesh)
• One-way animal door (optional)
• Shovel
• Staple gun and staples
• Two-by-four lumber

Step-by-Step Guide to Animal-Proofing Your Porch

Once you’ve gathered your tools, it’s time to get started. Follow the steps below to create a barrier that will stop animals from accessing the space under your porch.

1. Prepare the Area

By clearing the area around and underneath your porch, you’ll get a clearer understanding of what you need to do to prevent animals from entering the space.

1. Remove any debris or vegetation that might attract animals.
2. Inspect the porch for existing entry points or damage.
3. Measure the perimeter of the porch to determine how much hardware cloth you’ll need.

2. Dig a Trench

Animals can dig under shallow fencing, so creating a deep barrier will block them from burrowing. Below are the steps to create an effective obstruction.

1. Dig an 8- to 12-inch-deep trench alongside the porch perimeter.
2. Make the trench wide enough to accommodate the hardware cloth.
3. Remove any large rocks or roots that might interfere with the installation.

3. Prepare the Hardware Cloth

Hardware cloth creates an effective barrier by blocking access to the space, but you have to use it the right way. Here’s how:  

1. Cut the hardware cloth slightly larger than the opening under the porch.
2. Use a two-by-four to bend a 6-inch-wide L-shaped flange into the hardware cloth. This L-shape will create an underground barrier to prevent animals from digging underneath.

4. Install the One-Way Door (Optional)

The steps outlined above will prevent animals from forming a new nest or den under your porch, but what if you suspect that one is already living there? A one-way door will allow them to leave but not reenter. In the video, Silva explains that creating a one-way door is a humane way to get rid of the animal since there isn’t a risk of it getting trapped inside. This is most effective when young animals aren’t present.

You can do the following to create a wildlife exit door:

1. Measure the one-way door against the hardware cloth.
2. Cut a hole in the hardware cloth with aviation snips.
3. Attach the one-way door over the hole in the hardware cloth.
4. Check that the door is securely fastened and functioning correctly.

5. Install the Hardware Cloth

Now that you’ve created the L-shape in your cloth and added a door, it’s time to install the barrier. Follow these steps carefully so that you experience long-term effectiveness.

1. Set the prepared hardware cloth in the trench with the L-shaped flange along the bottom.
2. Extend the cloth above ground level to cover any gaps under the porch.
3. Staple the hardware cloth securely to the porch structure.
4. Use additional staples every few inches for a tight fit.

6. Backfill and Finish

Refilling the trench will create a sturdier block against an animal’s reentry. Here’s how you can backfill so your hardware cloth wall is a long-term solution:

1. Backfill the trench with soil, compacting it as you go.
2. Check that the hardware cloth remains taut and remains in position during backfilling.
3. Level the soil and replant grass or add mulch to restore the area’s appearance.

Additional Tips for Keeping Animals Away

There are a few other ways you can deter animals besides creating this barrier:

• Add animal repellent around your property’s perimeter.
• Remove any food sources by securing trash cans and cleaning up fallen fruit or birdseed.
• Trim trees and shrubs away from the porch.
• Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers to startle animals as they approach your porch.

Enhanced Repellent Solutions

If you have persistent animal problems, there are stronger repellent solutions you can use to repel animals. Solutions include items such as scent-based and electronic deterrents.

Scent-Based Repellents

Scent-based repellents use things that repulse animals, such as predator urine or strong unpleasant odors. You can apply these around your porch or other parts of your yard. Use safety gear when you’re putting these products down. 

Electronic Deterrents

Ultrasonic devices or motion-activated sprinklers are two examples of electronic deterrents. This technology can startle animals or discourage them from entering the area. Place these devices strategically, covering entry points and common paths wildlife uses.

Maintaining Your Animal-Proof Barrier

Setting up a routine check will help you maintain your efforts to create an effective barrier because you’ll catch issues early and fix them before an animal can break through. Here are a few tips: 

• Check for new entry points that animals may have made over time.
• Inspect the barrier periodically for signs of damage or wear.
• Keep the area around the porch clear of debris and overgrowth.
• Repair any breaches in the hardware cloth immediately.

Humane Considerations When Detering Animals

Although you’re trying to stop animals from building nests or dens under your porch, you must take humane steps so they’re not hurt as you deter them:

• Avoid sealing entry points during breeding seasons when young animals may be present.
• Consult with local wildlife experts if you’re unsure about the best approach for your situation.
• If you think animals are living under your porch, use ways to help them exit the area safely before you seal the space. 

Allowing animals to exit safely and preventing their return is the most ethical solution.