HOW TO GET RID OF SKUNKS UNDER THE FRONT PORCH

1. First, determine if the skunk is actually living underneath your front porch: if there is a hole leading under the porch, loosely fill it with a rag or balled-up newspaper. If the test remains untouched for several days (longer in the winter) you’ll know nothing is there.
2. Next, determine if it’s baby season or close to baby season if the test was moved. The removal process can take weeks if babies have been born.
3. Contact our skunk removal Brampton specialists for pricing for humane removal and prevention measures
4. Schedule an appointment for the installation of all necessary hardware for skunk eviction

Have you ever come face to face-with a skunk? If not, count yourself lucky! The thought of encountering a skunk can be a bit nerve-wracking for most homeowners, especially if you don’t know what to expect. If you’re getting the kids out the door for school or coming home from work after dark, you’d rather not have to wonder if this is the time you’re going to get sprayed in the face by the wild animal living under your front porch steps.

When a skunk feels threatened, their only defence is their spray. Skunks are notorious for their potent spray, which can leave you with a lasting foul odour for days.

These creatures are often found living in a variety of places, including under porches, decks, sheds, near trash bins, and in tall grass. They may also use den holes as a place to rest and escape the heat. If you’re not careful, you may accidentally startle a skunk or even gain access to their den hole, which can put you in a difficult situation.

Skunks are commonly known for their notorious smell, but did you know that they’re also phenomenal diggers? With their long claws, they can easily gain access to the dirt and create their homes. This can become a problem when a skunk decides to make its new den entrance under your porch, causing an unpleasant situation for you and your family.

While your skunk issue may seem like a nuisance, it’s important to remember that skunks are just trying to find a safe place to call home. So next time you come across a skunk under the porch, appreciate their digging skills and perhaps consider finding a humane way to relocate them to a new den by contacting a local wildlife department specialist. They can install a heavy wire screen (which is different from chicken wire) into the ground and set a one-way door for them to exit.

Why Skunks Are Attracted to Your Porch Seeking Shelter

If you’ve found skunks lurking around your porch, don’t be surprised. Skunk mothers often make nests for their babies close to human houses, and your porch may serve as the perfect shelter. Skunks are looking for enclosed, dark spaces under structures that will keep their baby skunks safe from the dangers of the outside world. Your porch is an ideal den entrance, with plenty of space and protection from the elements. Additionally, skunks are attracted to human voices and the smells of food, which may draw them closer to your home. While these critters may seem harmless enough, it’s important to permanently exclude skunks from your property to prevent any potential problems. Taking steps to seal the entrance and create a safe, alternative shelter for them is crucial for a peaceful coexistence.

Scavenging for Food

Skunks are known for their unique and pungent smell, but did you know that they are also expert scavengers? When a skunk is feeling hungry, it will search high and low for sources of food. A accessible trash bin, cat food, and bird feeders are all common targets for these furry foragers, and other animals as well. And if you have a vegetable garden, beware – skunks have been known to nibble on leafy greens and root vegetables alike. While they may have a reputation for being pests, skunks are just trying to survive. When natural food sources are scarce, they resort to scavenging. So the next time you come across a skunk rummaging through your garbage, remember that it’s just looking for a meal.

The Dangers of a Skunk Encounter Unpleasant Odor

As a pet owner, encountering a skunk can be a nightmare. If you’re living in an area that is prone to skunks, it is essential to keep your pet cat or dog indoors as much as possible. The reason is that skunks are known for their noxious spray, which can leave a foul odour that is difficult to remove. While there are warning signs to look out for, such as skunk tracks or holes in your lawn, sometimes there is ample warning before you encounter these infamous creatures. They will stamp their feet and rise up prior to spraying. If you do happen to stumble upon one, it is important to retreat slowly and avoid startling the skunk. Remember, the smell can linger for days, and most homeowners will do anything to avoid it.

Potential Health Risks

A close encounter with a skunk can result in more than just an unpleasant smell. Skunks are one of four wild animals that are carriers of rabies, which is a serious viral infection that affects the nervous system and can be transmitted through their bite or saliva, the other three being raccoons, foxes, and bats. Furthermore, skunks also have the ability to spray a noxious liquid that can cause temporary blindness, nausea, and vomiting, making it difficult to flee or defend oneself. Although skunks tend to be non-aggressive creatures, it’s important to avoid disturbing them, especially when they’re near their den or you come across a mother skunk with her babies. Protect your health and wellbeing by giving these creatures the space they need to go about their business without interruption.

Emotional and Mental Stress of Skunk Presence

Discovering that a family of skunks has made your property their home can be a stressful experience. The mental and emotional distress caused by their presence can be overwhelming. However, it is important to approach the situation with care and seek humane solutions. Shallow holes and damage to your vegetable garden may be frustrating, but it is crucial to keep in mind that these animals are just trying to survive. Skunks are known for taking up residence in crawl spaces and other dark areas, which can make it difficult to safely remove them. Additionally, the presence of skunk babies can make it even more challenging to address the issue. While it may be tempting to resort to drastic measures, taking a humane approach to handling their presence is the best course of action for everyone involved. The anxiety of a potential spray incident, health concerns, or even just their sudden appearance can be emotionally taxing.

Effective Methods to Keep Skunks Away Using Natural Repellents

Have you ever been woken up in the middle of the night by the unmistakable smell of a skunk? Whether you live in the country or the suburbs, these creatures can wreak havoc on your property and leave behind an unbearable odour. Luckily, there are several effective methods for keeping them away, mild repellents that could really help. One option is to install a bright light outside or play human voices on a speaker to deter them. Another option is to sprinkle cayenne pepper or place dirty kitty litter around the perimeter of your yard. Try using chemical solvents, or homemade capsaicin on your grass or soil. You can also leave out citrus peels (lemon peels or orange peels work well) or spray apple cider vinegar in skunk-prone areas. Soak rags in apple cider vinegar and leave them in a plastic bag, poke holes in the plastic bag to allow the smell to escape. You could spray chemical repellents, or castor oil repellents, around your porch and yard as they tend to help get rid of skunks. You can also apply predator’s urine or dog urine around the area. While it may seem unconventional, some people swear by using their own urine as a natural repellent. If you have bird feeders in your yard, sweep up any fallen seed, or better yet place a tray underneath to catch any fallen bird seed, this will help keep other rodents away as well. No matter which method you choose, it’s important to act quickly to keep these pesky critters at bay.

Sealing Entry Points

Keeping unwanted wildlife out of your home and property can be an ongoing challenge, and when it comes to dealing with a skunk problem, it’s especially important to be strategic in your approach. One key tactic to consider is sealing off any potential entry points that would prevent skunks gaining access to your property. This could involve measures such as installing heavy wire mesh screening around the deck areas, porches, and sheds, or filling gaps in concrete slabs.

What To Do If You Already Have A Skunk – Get Professional Help

Sometimes, it’s best to leave it to the pros. Wildlife removal services have the expertise to remove skunks safely. In instances where skunks have already made a den, such as if you have shed, porch, or deck skunks – call a wildlife control company that can install a wire mesh into the ground around the perimeter of said structure and set a one way door to allow skunks to exit, this will permanently exclude skunks and prevent them from digging back under. They will move off once they realize their home is taken from them. Taking these steps can not only help you avoid unwanted encounters with skunks living there, but it can also help protect these animals and them raising young. Your local wildlife department can explain the process in further detail and estimate the job right over the phone.

DIY Removal

‘Humane harassment’ is a term used to describe making your property as uninviting as possible for skunks. Bright lights, dirty kitty litter, predator’s urine, cayenne pepper, chemical repellents, lemon peels, etc. – but if none of these options are helping get rid of skunks, and you want to try and physically remove the skunks living on your property…read on. Removing a skunk from your property can be a brave and daunting task. If you’re opting for a humane approach, using a spring-loaded trap can be a great solution. However, it’s important to do it at the proper time, otherwise, you may end up separating a mother skunk from her skunk babies, causing extreme suffering for them. Normally, skunks leave their dens around dusk, so you may want to set the trap a little earlier. Once caught, it’s important to handle the situation with care and release the animal far enough away from your property to prevent it from returning. By removing a skunk living on your property and allowing it to find a new den, you can provide it with a chance to thrive somewhere else while also ensuring the safety and comfort of you and your family.

How to Clean Up After a Skunk Spray

Time is of the essence! Fresh air, specialized cleaning solutions, and a good old-fashioned tomato juice bath can help neutralize the odour. However, multiple treatments may be needed. If your dog or cat has been sprayed, mix four cups of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, one teaspoon of baby shampoo (or grease-cutting dish detergent), and 1/4 cup of baking soda. Lather your pet, rinse and repeat.

Conclusion

While skunks might seem like uninvited troublemakers, it’s essential to remember they’re just looking for food and shelter. With preventive measures, knowledge, and a bit of patience, we can coexist alongside these wild animals without the stress of unexpected skunky encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do skunks spray?
   • Have you ever been sprayed by a skunk? If you have, you know all too well the immense power of their foul odor. But did you know that they only spray when a skunk feels threatened? It’s their way of protecting themselves from other animals that may pose a danger to them or their young. Despite their ample warning signs, including stamping their front feet and hissing, some animals still don’t get the message. In those cases, the skunk has no other choice but to unleash its pungent weapon. While stinky for us, the smell of a skunk’s spray acts as a perfect deterrent for predators and gives the skunk enough time to make its escape. Next time you catch a whiff of a skunk’s scent, just remember that it’s their natural defense mechanism, and they are simply protecting themselves and their family.
2. How long will a skunk stay under my porch?
   • If you’ve spotted a skunk under your porch, you may wonder how long it will stay there. It’s important to note that if you’ve seen a mother skunk and a new den entrance, there’s a good chance she’s raising young underneath. Baby skunks often stay hidden in their den while their mother goes out in search of food to bring back to them. If she is raising young, the baby skunks will start venturing outside on their own at approximately 8 weeks of age. Skunks are mainly nocturnal animals and prefer to hide in dark and sheltered places during the day, such as under your porch. The smell of food and the need for shelter are often what draws them in, so it’s important to remove any potential food sources and block off any holes or access points. Check around any elevated sheds for signs of digging. It’s best to leave a skunk alone and wait for it to move on its own, if a skunk is provoked it will spray with their infamous scent. Ultimately, how long a skunk stays under your porch will depend on factors such as proximity to food sources, whether she’s raising young, and the safety of the den location.
3. Can skunks climb?
   • While most people associate skunks with their potent smell, there is still a lot that is unknown about these largely misunderstood creatures. One of the biggest questions about skunks is whether or not they can climb. While skunks are primarily ground-dwellers, some species like the spotted skunk, have been known to climb trees in search of food or to avoid predators. However, it is much more common for skunks to prefer den holes or other ground-level shelters. If you’re looking to prevent skunks from coming onto your property, it’s important to keep in mind that they are excellent diggers and can access areas you might not expect. Proper fencing and regularly inspecting your home for entry points can help to keep skunks and other animals at bay.
4. How can I prevent skunks from coming to my property?
   • No one wants to deal with the unpleasant scent of a skunk, especially when it keeps returning to your yard or property. The good news is there are several mild repellents that you can use to deter skunks from coming around. For example, orange peels or predator urine can be placed strategically to keep them away. Additionally, pepper spray can be an effective option for a more aggressive approach. Properly storing your trash can and not leaving pet food outside can also help keep skunks at bay. By adding a bright light that illuminates your property at night, you can discourage skunks from coming near. Lastly, make sure to seal off any places where skunks can gain access to your property, such as openings in fences or foundation cracks.
5. Is it legal to trap and relocate a skunk?
   • Laws vary by location. Always check local regulations before taking action. If you trap a skunk by a den entrance, be absolutely certain that skunk babies are not in there being left behind.
6. What are the benefits of having a skunk on my property? If you have skunks living on your property, it’s not all bad. Despite their reputation, skunks provide numerous benefits in nature. One of the most important benefits is their ability to control insect and stink bug populations. They also keep mice, snakes, moles, shrews, and other rodents and small animals in check, preventing overpopulation and maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Skunks also help crops and farmers by eating insects that damage crops. Additionally, they are natural scavengers and feed on earthworms and other natural food sources, further contributing to the health of the ecosystem. While some may be wary of their infamous odour, skunks play an important role in maintaining the natural order of the environment.