Animal Screens

We built a new deck many years back as described on the New Decks Project Page. We came to understand a major design issue: it provided a very attractive homesteading location for the local wildlife. Over the years we've had ground squirrels, skunks and raccoons take up residence. The worst was our second family of racoons who were infested with fleas. Although the raccoons were content to live under the deck, the fleas wanted to conquer other worlds.

We solve this perennial problem by adding stainless steel wire mesh to all the entry points as shown in the pictures.

So far, after three years, it has been a success.

We have since had a skunk living under our shed, but that's a project for another day.