The only two things most people really know about skunks is that they are black with a white stripe and they stink. Even though their stench is overwhelming, these animals are really quite harmless. Though they are known to carry rabies, they do not tend to bite people even when they are sick, so transmission is highly unlikely.

Spring is on its way, and with the warming weather, skunks become more active and head out in search of new locations to den. Pregnant females, in particular, look for a place to have and raise their kits. The perfect spot is dark, protected and warm. When skunks make a home on your property, contact our humane skunk removal Pickering experts.

A Problem That Stinks

Skunks don’t climb very well, but they are excellent diggers. You won’t find them in your attic, but you may very well discover them under your deck or porch. They prefer to dig their dens in places that are protected on all sides and hidden out of view. This makes a deck an ideal location. Even though these creatures aren’t a danger, they do pose a couple of problems when they carve out living quarters under your deck.

Persistent Stenches

A skunk’s only defence is its pungent spray, but it has to use it sparingly because it can take up to 10 days to replenish. Despite this fact, spring can be a stinky time of year when you have skunks on your property. Two males fighting over a female often take aim with the glands under their tails rather than with their claws or teeth. On the other hand, when females aren’t interested in a male’s attention, she lets him know by letting loose her spray. All of this action around your home can leave a persistent stench in the air.

Animal Attractions

If you have dogs or cats that spend time outdoors, they do not know enough to steer clear of the black-and-white fluffball roaming the yard. Even if they are just curious or attempting to engage in play, they often become the target of a skunk’s backside weapon. These animals are shockingly accurate and are capable of hitting their mark from a 3-metre distance.

When your smelly guests move on, your problems aren’t over. Their vacant home may as well have a “For Rent” sign posted out front welcoming a new resident. A skunk’s abandoned den is inviting to other animals passing through your yard. It often does not take too long before a new tenant moves in, only this one may do more damage than the previous one.

An Ounce of Prevention

There are preventative measures you can take to make your deck unappealing to skunks in the first place. When any wild animal seeks to take up residence around or in your home, they do so because they have access to adequate food sources and a safe place to shelter. Take these steps to reduce access to food:

• Keep a tight lid on your rubbish bin and never leave a bag of garbage sitting outside.
• Do not store bags of pet food outside.
• Pick your garden veggies as soon as they are ripe.

Skunks like the privacy your deck provides. If they can’t access the area underneath it, they are not likely to stick around your yard. Cover the opening with wire mesh. It’s best to extend the covering a short distance on the ground so that the animal does not try to work its way under it. You can also add lighting around the edge of your deck, as skunks are not fans of well-lit areas.

A Rapid Response

If you suspect or know that you already have skunks in residence, contact our Skedaddle skunk removal Pickering experts. Our technicians utilize methods that keep the animal safe until it is released in a more suitable location, and they do so without getting sprayed! To schedule services, contact us today!