We have been experiencing a large number of calls from homeowners from Burlington to Montreal, experiencing skunks living on their property.

With the recent news that the raccoon rabies virus in Hamilton has spread from raccoons to skunks, homeowners are being extra vigilant.

February through March is mating season for striped skunks, so that may also be way homeowners are seeing them more often than usual as well.

Skunks cannot climb so they make their dens at ground level. Skunks tend to burrow out their dens in cavities below structures on properties, such as concrete front steps, wooden porches, decks, sheds, and home additions that do not have foundations. They are nocturnal (i.e. active at night), and will chew or burrow through wood and siding. Their burrows can cause weaknesses in the structures.

It is more likely you will smell a skunk than see one. Persistent, faint musk smells under a building or woodpile may suggest that a skunk has taken up residence. You may find small, shallow holes in the lawn, similar to those made by squirrels, which are a result of a skunk foraging for grubs and insect larva.

Accessing a skunk’s den can often be difficult. Using specialized hands-on techniques our technicians will carefully remove skunks from their burrow. If there are baby skunks, they placed inside a heated baby box so that they can be safely relocated by their mother to one of her multiple den sites.

The key to getting the animals out from under these steps permanently is to block access. Part of our process involves taking specific measures designed to prevent future skunk intrusions. Our Wildlife Specialists will not only seal the entry point after removal, but will also protect any potential openings by burying heavy gauge screen deep into the ground. We then deodorize the surrounding areas to deter other skunks from making your deck, porch or shed their home.

After our thorough process is complete, we will have cleaned and repaired the damage, and protected your home from future unwanted visitors.

If you think you have a skunk problem, call Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control today.

1-888-592-0387. Proudly serving: Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Brampton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge and the Niagara Region.