Skunks can be a nuisance and carry dangerous pests and diseases, including rabies. They spray a noxious, repulsive odor that can cause skin irritation and can be smelled from up to a mile away. Skunks may also attack pets or humans who try to approach them or their nests. They will usually only spray if they feel threatened or their young are in danger. People go to extreme lengths to avoid getting sprayed by a skunk, including hiring “wildlife control” services that use illegal and often inhumane methods of killing the animals.
Skunks are nocturnal, shy animals that are typically looking for a place to stay warm and find food. They will inhabit dark, warm concealed areas like basements, crawl spaces and attics. They will also shelter under porches, decks, sheds or in chicken coops. If you have a problem with skunks living on your property, you can help by removing any food sources that would draw them in. It’s also a good idea to install a skunk-proof barrier around the areas where they are known to dwell.
While there are products on the market that claim to repel skunks, they are not effective at doing so. The only way to truly deter skunks is by trapping them and relocating them far away from your home. The best way to do this is by using a live trap that is baited and set in the area where you suspect skunk activity. It is recommended that you consult a professional wildlife trapper to perform this service, as they will be knowledgeable on proper techniques for humanely capturing and transporting skunks.
Removing Food Sources
Skunks will feed on a variety of things, but the most common are garbage, pet waste and garden vegetables. If you notice a lot of these items in your garbage, it could be a sign that there is a skunk or skunk family living near your home.
You will also know that there is a skunk nearby when you smell their foul, rotting odor or see their track marks or droppings. Their droppings are similar in size and appearance to cat or dog droppings, and they contain undigested food, seeds, insects, berries and nuts. Skunks will also dig holes that resemble squirrel holes in the ground and are sometimes found in woodpiles, around sheds or under porches and decks.
They are also attracted to easily accessible food, such as existing pest infestations and naturally growing berries, leaves and nuts. Skunks will also enter structures such as sheds, porches and garages to seek protection and warmth.
If you suspect a skunk den is on your property, you can make it more difficult for them to access it by constructing barriers around the area with hardware cloth and boards. You should also reduce access to food and keep pets, chickens and ducks contained in a secure enclosure.
A skunk exterminator will trap the skunk and relocate it to a remote location far from your home. They will also recommend any entry points to your home that can be sealed, such as vents, pipes and gaps. They will then use wildlife repellents around your yard to prevent skunks and other wild creatures from reentering the property.
