Job Overview
Location: Peterborough, Ontario
Structure: Detached two-storey home with backyard shed
Problem: Skunk burrowing and denning activity under shed
Service: Humane skunk removal and exclusion
Visits: 3 visits
Summary
We were contacted regarding ongoing skunk activity on a residential property in Peterborough. The homeowner observed repeated activity around the backyard shed, consistent with burrowing behaviour. Our team attended the site in March to assess and resolve the issue through humane removal and full perimeter exclusion.
Technician Mike conducted the inspection, identified the primary den entrance, and completed trench-based screening to prevent re-entry.
Background / Property Context
The property consisted of a detached two-storey home with a backyard shed installed on a framed base surrounded by decorative stone. The shed was positioned close to a fence line, creating a narrow side access corridor.
The shed foundation allowed open access beneath the structure, with soil and leaf debris present along the perimeter.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported visible skunk activity on the property and suspected denning beneath the shed. Skunks are burrowing animals and commonly establish dens under decks, sheds, and other elevated structures when access is available.
The concern was ongoing habitation and potential repeat activity if the den was not addressed properly.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial exterior inspection, Mike identified a burrow opening along the side of the shed at the highest accessible ground point. Soil displacement and a defined tunnel path were visible along the narrow corridor between the shed and fence.
Photos show:
- A worn dirt path along the shed’s side consistent with repeated animal travel.
- Decorative stone perimeter without below-grade screening.
- Open gaps along the shed base allowing wildlife access.
- Installation process of galvanized steel mesh along the lower framing.
- A one-way door installed at the primary burrow entrance.
No additional active entry points were identified around the remainder of the structure.
Cause Analysis
Sheds installed on framed bases without buried screening commonly allow access underneath. The surrounding decorative stone did not extend below grade, leaving soil exposed along the base.
Skunks naturally seek sheltered, enclosed areas for denning, especially during seasonal temperature changes. The narrow corridor beside the shed also provided concealed access with minimal disturbance.
Treatment / Removal
Following approval, humane removal procedures were initiated.
A one-way exclusion door was installed at the active burrow entrance to allow the skunk to exit safely without re-entry. This method ensures non-lethal removal while maintaining structural integrity.
Work was completed in March under suitable weather conditions.
Exclusion & Repairs
To prevent future burrowing, 32 linear feet of trenching was completed around the shed perimeter.
Galvanized steel mesh was installed below grade and secured to the shed’s base framing. The mesh was buried and backfilled to prevent digging underneath. All visible gaps were reinforced and fastened with appropriate hardware washers for durability.
This creates a continuous underground barrier designed to prevent re-entry by skunks or other burrowing wildlife.
Outcome & Confirmation
At the follow-up visit, the homeowner reported no further wildlife activity.
The one-way door was removed, the entry point was permanently sealed, and the full exclusion system was inspected. No additional burrowing or structural concerns were observed.
No further wildlife issues have been reported since completion of the work.
Technician Notes
Mike confirmed a single primary burrow entrance during inspection. No secondary den sites were identified on the structure.
Trenching depth and mesh placement were completed to standard exclusion depth to prevent future digging. Final inspection confirmed secure fastening and proper backfill.
This service was completed by our Peterborough wildlife team. For wildlife removal inquiries in Peterborough, contact 705-410-3708.