[Blog] Wildlife Exclusion. Skunks, Racoons and Squirrels oh my! DIY tips for humane wildlife exclusi

“To kill or not to kill?” Today we will take a look at two (2) types of one-way door systems to allow humane removal of wildlife around or inside of your home. Keep in mind that in order to utilize one-way door systems you must first identify any entry/exit points which wildlife is using. Once entry or exit point are identified it is important to look for any further structural damage in the same area. If any further damage exists without repair- wildlife may simply abandon the previous entry point and establish a new one where damage existed before. Be sure to repair this in the process of installing one-way door systems.

• The first system we will look at is the cone-style one-way door. 1. To make this all you need is a square piece of chicken wire (or welded wire). 2. Roll the piece of chicken wire into a cone. Ensure that the narrow end of the cone is small enough to stop your fist from pushing through. For smaller intruders ensure that the narrow end is small enough to stop a golf ball from rolling through. 3. Bend the cut-off barbs at the small in to narrow the entrance even more. Intruders will attempt entry and be dissuaded via barbs discouraging entry. 4. Place the larger end of the cone directly into the entry point and ensure it is secure and cannot be easily pulled out. In the event your intruder is currently harboring at your target location it will be able to escape through the one-way door. However, re-entry will not be possible. However, this particular one-way system can sometimes fail if the target specimen has not been identified. Likewise it has previously been noted that some small bird intruders can make entry through this system.

• The second system we will look at is the trap-door one-way system. 1. To make this all you need is a square piece of chicken wire (or welded wire), wire cutters, zip ties and something to secure the unit to the entry point. 2. Before installing this system it is a good idea to exclude the entire perimeter of an affected area as it provides additional strength and support. 3. Once the area of intrusion has been sealed, leave an opening at the identified entry point that is the same size as the square you’ve created. 4. Take wire cutters and cut and “H” shape into the middle of the square. (For larger wildlife use a door about the size of your fist, for smaller prey use a door about the size of a golf ball) 5. Once the door is cut, push the two top tabs out facing the outside of the harborage. 6. Using zip ties, secure the doors so that they cannot be bent or manipulated. 7. Install the one way door in a secure fashion to ensure that it cannot fall, or be pulled out. Personally the trap-door style system is my favourite as it requires full exclusion to be employed and likewise is very effective in stopping all wildlife intruders from birds, to badgers. Nothing is getting inside once this system is in place.

Once you’ve installed your one-way door it is important to leave the area and not disrupt the natural elimination of your wildlife intruder. Within 3-4 days you can return. Place a square piece of welded wire over the current door system to eliminate it. Refill the damaged earth, or structure affected and your DONE! No need for anything to be hurt. Hopefully it helps!

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