Problem
Animal Under Deck?
If you hear movement, smell odor, or notice digging around your deck or porch, Borland Wildlife Solutions can identify the animal, remove it safely, and help keep it from coming back.
Symptoms
What It Usually Means
Animals under decks commonly include skunks, raccoons, groundhogs, opossums, and sometimes feral cats. The right solution depends on the species, the access point, and whether young are present.
Noises At Night
Scratching, shuffling, or thumping under the deck often points to a denning or nesting animal using the space for shelter.
Digging Or Burrowing
Fresh soil, widened gaps, or tunneling around deck skirting can indicate skunks, groundhogs, or other burrowing wildlife.
Strong Odor
A musky or foul smell may come from skunks, droppings, urine buildup, or a deceased animal trapped beneath the structure.
Visible Animal Activity
If you spot an animal entering at dusk or early morning, that helps narrow the species and the best removal strategy.
Why Fast Action Matters
Wildlife under a deck can quickly turn from a nuisance into a bigger property problem. Early action helps limit damage, odor, and repeat activity.
Protect The Structure
Burrowing and repeated traffic can undermine skirting, disturb soil, and create weak points around the deck perimeter.
Reduce Odor Issues
Droppings, urine, nesting debris, and deceased animals can create persistent smells that spread into nearby living areas.
Avoid Surprise Encounters
Animals using the space as a den may become defensive, especially when young are present or when access is blocked.
Stop Repeat Use
Removal alone is not enough. Exclusion and correction help keep another animal from taking over the same sheltered space.
Address Contamination
Waste and nesting material can leave behind health and sanitation concerns that should be handled properly.
Get A Clear Plan
A professional inspection helps determine the species, the risk level, and the most effective next step for your property.
Animal Under Deck FAQ
Common questions from Nebraska property owners dealing with wildlife under decks and porches.
What animals get under decks?
Common culprits include skunks, raccoons, groundhogs, opossums, and other wildlife looking for shelter, shade, or a den site.
Is an animal under my deck dangerous?
It can be. Some animals may defend young, carry parasites, create odor issues, or cause damage through digging and contamination.
Can I just block the opening?
Not until the animal is confirmed out. Sealing too early can trap wildlife underneath and make the problem worse.
Why does the smell get stronger?
Odor can build from droppings, urine, nesting material, skunk activity, or a dead animal in the void under the deck.
Do you handle cleanup too?
Yes. Borland offers wildlife contamination cleanup, attic cleanup and restoration, and related repair solutions when conditions require it.
Do you serve the Lincoln area?
Yes. Borland Wildlife Solutions serves the Lincoln, Nebraska area and customers throughout Nebraska.
Need Borland On Site?
If something is living under your deck, don’t guess. Get a professional inspection and a plan built for the animal, the structure, and the season.
Serving the Lincoln, Nebraska area with wildlife removal, exclusion, cleanup, and prevention.