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        Installing Pest Proof Mesh Under Decking to Keep Pests Out

        • Category: Rodent Mesh

        Decking is a fantastic feature in any garden, providing a stylish and practical area for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying nature. However, the space beneath your deck can become a hidden haven for unwanted guests such as rats, mice, foxes, and even snakes. Left unprotected, this area offers warmth, shelter, and seclusion — exactly what pests seek.

        A reliable and long-lasting solution is to install pest proof mesh underneath your decking. This simple addition can dramatically reduce the likelihood of infestations while preserving airflow and maintaining the aesthetic of your garden.

        In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through why pest proofing matters, how to choose the right mesh, the installation process, and the products we recommend from The Mesh Company for a job well done.

        Why Pests Love the Space Under Your Deck

        The cavity beneath a deck is often dark, undisturbed, and slightly warmer than the surrounding soil — the perfect combination for many types of pests. You may not see them during the day, but signs such as burrows, droppings, or unpleasant smells can indicate activity.

        Common intruders include:

        • Rodents (e.g. rats, mice) looking for nesting grounds

        • Foxes, which may dig under the deck

        • Snakes, depending on your region

        • Insects and other burrowing pests

        blog article titled Securing Your Home: Attaching Rodent Wire Mesh to Brick Surfaces

        Not only can these pests cause damage, but they also pose health and hygiene risks. By sealing off this space with high-quality pest proof mesh, you create a breathable yet secure barrier.

        Benefits of Using Pest Proof Mesh Under Decking

        ✔ Acts as a barrier to stop pests entering from below

        ✔ Allows essential airflow while blocking larger pests

        ✔ Helps drainage without attracting burrowing animals

        ✔ Protects the decking structure from long-term damage

        ✔ Deters rodents, foxes, and insects from settling in

        Installing mesh under your decking is a proactive measure. It can also increase the longevity of your deck by reducing animal-related wear and tear.

        Choosing the Right Mesh for Pest Proofing

        At The Mesh Company, we offer a range of materials and configurations tailored to different applications. When selecting mesh for this particular use, consider the following factors:

        1. Material Type

        • Galvanised Steel – Strong, rust-resistant and cost-effective. Suitable for general pest prevention.

        • Stainless Steel – High corrosion resistance and durability. Best for damp or coastal environments.

        • PVC Coated Steel – Offers extra weather resistance and blends well with garden surroundings.

        1" Galvanised Welded Mesh Fencing | 5 Metre x 1200mm Roll
        RatMesh | Rat Proof Wire Mesh (1/4" Galvanised Welded Mesh)

        2. Aperture Size

        The hole size must be small enough to keep pests out:

        • 6mm or smaller for mice and insects

        • 10–13mm for rats and foxes

         

        A larger hole may be fine for debris control but ineffective for rodents.

        3. Wire Gauge

        Thicker wire offers better protection but is harder to bend and shape. Choose based on the animals you’re trying to deter and the ease of installation.

         

        ✅ Recommended Product:

        Stainless Steel Welded Mesh (1/4″ x 1/4″) – Ideal for keeping out rats, mice, and larger vermin while withstanding tough UK weather.

        Stainless Steel 304 Grade 1/4" x 1/4" inch Hole 0.7mm Wire 22G Rat Mesh Soffit Rolls

        Tools and Materials Checklist

        Before starting your installation, gather the following items:

        • Pest proof mesh (pre-cut rolls or sheets)

        • Wire cutters or tin snips

        • Galvanised staples or screws with washers

        • Timber battens (if framing the mesh)

        • Spade (for digging a trench)

        • Work gloves and safety goggles

        tools needed to secure rodent mesh

        A simple yet thorough setup ensures your installation goes smoothly and the mesh remains effective over time.

        Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Pest Proof Mesh Under Decking

        Step 1: Survey the Site

        Inspect the entire perimeter under your decking. Look for existing pest activity and assess the depth and width of gaps. This will inform how much mesh and what level of protection you’ll need.

        Step 2: Dig a Trench (Optional)

        To discourage burrowing pests like foxes, dig a shallow trench (approx. 10–20 cm deep) along the base of the decking. This allows the mesh to be buried and prevents animals from sneaking underneath.

        rat mesh rodent proof mesh

        Step 3: Cut and Shape the Mesh

        Using your wire cutters, trim the mesh to size. Leave a few extra centimetres around edges for overlap and secure fitting. The Mesh Company offers rolls in various widths to minimise wastage.

        Step 4: Secure the Mesh to the Deck Frame

        Fasten the mesh to the underside of the deck and surrounding posts using staples or screws. If needed, fix the mesh to timber battens and install them in a frame-like fashion around the base.

        Step 4: Secure the Mesh to the Deck Frame

        Fasten the mesh to the underside of the deck and surrounding posts using staples or screws. If needed, fix the mesh to timber battens and install them in a frame-like fashion around the base.

        Real-World Applications: Customer Examples

        Case Study: Garden Decking in Cheshire
        A customer used PVC-coated green welded mesh from our range to discreetly secure their 10-square-metre deck. The result was a pest-free zone and a seamless look that blended with the lawn.

        Case Study: Coastal Decking in Cornwall
        For a more weather-exposed installation, 316 grade stainless steel mesh offered long-term durability. Despite the salty sea air, the mesh has shown no signs of rust two years on.

        Common Mistakes to Avoid

        ❌ Using mesh with large holes that let pests slip through

        ❌ Skipping the trench, allowing pests to burrow underneath

        ❌ Failing to secure all edges, leaving entry points exposed

        ❌ Choosing untreated mesh that quickly rusts and weakens

        Avoiding these errors can greatly increase the success and lifespan of your pest-proofing efforts.

        How Our Products Stand Out

        At The Mesh Company, we pride ourselves on offering a broad selection of premium-quality mesh materials. For decking-related pest control, some standout products include:

        ProductKey FeatureIdeal For
        Stainless Steel Welded MeshRust-resistant and robustRodent and fox prevention
        PVC-Coated Welded Wire Mesh (Green)Discreet and weatherproofGarden decking aesthetic and function
        Galvanised Welded MeshAffordable and durableGeneral outdoor pest deterrence

        ✅ Custom sizes and bulk rolls available for larger installations

        Green Euro Fencing

        Maintenance and Long-Term Tips

        Installing pest proof mesh isn’t a one-and-done project. A few small maintenance steps each year can ensure continued effectiveness:

        • Inspect the perimeter every 6–12 months

        • Repair any tears or loose sections promptly

        • Remove debris build-up that could stress the mesh

        For maximum longevity, consider treating timber elements near the mesh to prevent rot and maintain structural integrity.

        installing rodent mesh

        Summary Graph: Pest Risk Without vs. With Mesh

        Pest TypeRisk Without MeshRisk With Mesh
        MiceHighVery Low
        RatsHighVery Low
        FoxesModerateNegligible
        InsectsVariableLow (if fine mesh used)
        wire fencing

        Conclusion

        Securing the space beneath your decking with pest proof mesh is a straightforward yet highly effective way to protect your outdoor living area. Whether you’re warding off rodents, foxes, or general garden nuisances, mesh installation offers peace of mind, better hygiene, and greater deck longevity.

        By choosing high-quality mesh from The Mesh Company, you ensure that your solution is not only effective but also built to last. Our variety of materials, coatings, and sizes makes it easy to find the right match for your garden setup.

        Ready to get started? Explore our full range of pest control mesh at www.themeshcompany.com today!

        As always, thank you for checking out our blog. We hope that this helps you with your project. We try to launch a couple of new guides every week. Eventually we will have covered everything there is to cover about mesh. 

        You may be interested in our blog that explores how to build a chicken coop. 

        Our goal for our blogs and help guides is to answer as many questions as possible to help to explain the possibilities of mesh to our customers. 

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