Tunnelling rodents and wildlife will find areas protected from predators and insulated allowing for safety and comfort. In order to prevent ongoing access and remove existing individuals from under buildings, sheds, concrete slabs or patios, trenching and mesh would be the best way forward. If done correctly, this pest proofing approach ensures a long-term solution and guarantees a warranty on re-entry. 

What is trench and mesh and how does it work?

The first step will be digging a 1’ deep, 1’ wide trench along the entire perimeter of the structure. This will ensure that not only the areas where animals are currently accessing will be sealed up, but also vulnerabilities to prevent animals from moving to the right or left of the sealed area to get back in under the structure. 

Make sure that tree roots or obstructing features are also addressed - leaving open only a couple of inches opens up the possibility for animals to find a way back through all your hard work.

Now that the digging has been done, it’s meshing time.

Using 1/2” rodent proof mesh, bend a L-shape. The horizontal bend of the L will be installed flush into the trench facing away from the structure allowing for the vertical portion of the L shape to be adhered to the structure edge. 

Once secure, re-fill in the trench with the removed dirt and pack down. 

The idea being that any rodents or wildlife trying to tunnel under the structure, will come into contact with the vertical mesh of the L-shape. While trying to navigate underneath this mesh they will be hindered by the horizontal L-bend and will be prevented from going any further forcing them to retreat. 

How do I get the animals out?

By installing a size appropriate one-way door on the animals’ main point of entry will ensure any individuals still inside the den or under the structure will be able to exit within 24-48 hours and not be able to get back in due to the trench and mesh, and one-way mechanism on the door. 

What if I have more than one species living under there?

Remember if you are dealing with more than one species living under the same structure eg. skunks and rats, install the larger one-way door first to allow the larger animal to exit. Once left, replace this door with a smaller one-way door to allow for the rats to exit.

Pro Tip:

Prior to digging, lay down a tarp to keep dirt which has been dug out of the trench, tidy and contained.