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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.
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
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.
✔ 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
A simple yet thorough setup ensures your installation goes smoothly and the mesh remains effective over time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
❌ 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.
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:
| Product | Key Feature | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel Welded Mesh | Rust-resistant and robust | Rodent and fox prevention |
| PVC-Coated Welded Wire Mesh (Green) | Discreet and weatherproof | Garden decking aesthetic and function |
| Galvanised Welded Mesh | Affordable and durable | General outdoor pest deterrence |
✅ Custom sizes and bulk rolls available for larger installations
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.
| Pest Type | Risk Without Mesh | Risk With Mesh |
| Mice | High | Very Low |
| Rats | High | Very Low |
| Foxes | Moderate | Negligible |
| Insects | Variable | Low (if fine mesh used) |
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.
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.
The largest range of wire mesh, chicken wire, wire fencing, woven wire mesh and perforated metal products in Europe, delivered direct from our Warrington warehouse.
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