what to put around bottom of deck to keep animals out

Effective Deck Animal Barriers: What to Place Around Your Deck's Base

By Daniel RobinsonJanuary 17, 2026

Embarking on a quest to deter unwanted animal visitors from beneath your deck? You're not alone. Decks are inviting spaces for critters, but with the right barriers, you can reclaim your outdoor haven. Let's delve into effective, eco-friendly, and animal-resistant solutions to secure the perimeter of your deck.

Before we dive into the methods, it's crucial to understand why animals are drawn to decks. They offer shelter, food sources, and easy access to your home. By addressing these attractions, we can create an effective barrier strategy.

Physical Barriers

Physical barriers are the most effective way to keep animals out. They come in various forms, catering to different animal sizes and types.

How to Keep Animals from Living Under Your Deck

First, consider the size of the animals you want to keep out. For small critters like mice and rats, a simple hardware cloth with tiny openings (no larger than 1/4 inch) can do the job. This material is durable, flexible, and easy to install around deck posts and along the bottom of the deck.

Hardware Cloth

Hardware cloth is a robust, galvanized steel mesh that's perfect for keeping out small animals. It's durable, flexible, and can be easily cut to size. Install it around deck posts and along the bottom of the deck, ensuring no gaps larger than 1/4 inch.

a wooden deck in front of a house next to a lawn with chairs on it

For larger animals like raccoons or opossums, you'll need a sturdier barrier. A good option is to use heavy-duty metal flashing or sheet metal. These materials are rigid, strong, and can be bent to fit around deck posts and supports.

Metal Flashing or Sheet Metal

Heavy-duty metal flashing or sheet metal provides a robust barrier against larger animals. It's rigid, strong, and can be bent to fit around deck posts and supports. Ensure the barrier extends at least 12 inches underground to prevent animals from digging beneath it.

Natural and Eco-Friendly Deterrents

While physical barriers are the most effective, there are also natural and eco-friendly methods to deter animals from underneath your deck.

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One such method is to create an unpleasant environment for animals. They generally avoid areas that are well-lit, noisy, or have strong scents. Here's how you can implement these strategies:

Lighting and Noise

Install motion-activated lights or solar-powered lights around your deck. The sudden bright light and noise can startle animals, encouraging them to move on. You can also use ultrasonic pest repellent devices, which emit high-frequency sounds that animals find unpleasant.

Another strategy is to create a barrier of plants around your deck. Certain plants are known to repel animals due to their strong scents. For example, mint, lavender, and garlic can deter mice and rats, while plants like daffodils and alliums can keep deer away. Just remember that animals can become accustomed to these scents over time, so it's best to rotate your plant choices.

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Plant Barriers

Certain plants can help deter animals due to their strong scents. Mint, lavender, and garlic can repel mice and rats, while daffodils and alliums can keep deer away. Rotate your plant choices to maintain effectiveness.

Regular Maintenance and Cleanliness

Maintaining a clean and well-kept deck can also help deter animals. Here's how:

First, remove any potential food sources. Keep your deck and the area beneath it free of fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris that animals might use for nesting or food. Regularly sweep and clean your deck to remove any crumbs or spills.

Second, secure any potential entry points. Inspect your deck regularly for any gaps, holes, or weak spots that animals might exploit. Seal these areas with hardware cloth, metal flashing, or caulk as needed.

Cleanliness and Food Sources

Keep your deck and the area beneath it free of fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris to remove potential food sources and nesting materials. Regularly sweep and clean your deck to remove crumbs or spills.

Lastly, ensure that your deck is well-ventilated. Animals often seek out damp, dark spaces. By ensuring good airflow beneath your deck, you can make it less appealing to them.

In the end, creating an animal-resistant barrier around your deck is a combination of using the right materials, implementing eco-friendly deterrents, and maintaining a clean and well-ventilated space. With a little effort and the right strategies, you can reclaim your deck as a peaceful, animal-free oasis.