A porcupine under the deck is using it for shelter and chewing for salt, and the fix is sealing the space and protecting nearby wood. Porcupines are not aggressive, but their quills are a risk to pets. Here is what to do.
- Seal the space under the deck with wire mesh.
- Porcupines chew wood for salt, so protect nearby wood.
- Keep pets away, since quills are a veterinary emergency.
- Trapping is regulated in many states.
Seal the Space
Once you confirm the porcupine is out, seal the space under the deck with hardware cloth buried a few inches deep. A buried barrier keeps porcupines and other animals out. For more, see Porcupine Removal: How to Get Rid of a Porcupine. The DIY vs. pro quiz tells you in five questions whether this one is a job for you or for a licensed pro.
Protect Nearby Wood
Porcupines chew wood for the salt and minerals in it. Wrap nearby tree bases and wooden structures with wire mesh, and store sweaty tool handles and salt sources out of reach.
Protect Pets
Porcupines are not aggressive, but a dog that confronts one can need veterinary treatment to remove quills. Supervise pets, especially at night.
Trapping, Where Legal
For a persistent porcupine, live trapping is the removal option, but relocation rules vary by state. Check with your state wildlife agency before trapping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Seal the space with buried hardware cloth once the porcupine is out, and protect nearby wood from chewing.
It is using the space for shelter and chewing wood for salt. Sealing the space and removing salt sources discourages it.
They are not aggressive, but their quills are a veterinary emergency for dogs. Keep pets away.
They have limited effect. Sealing the space and protecting wood with wire is more reliable.
