Picture this: a peaceful evening in Anne Arundel, the stars shining brightly above, and a faint, peculiar aroma lingering in the air. It’s not the fragrance of a nearby flower garden, but a telltale sign uninvited guests might reside on your property.

Skunks!

These critters are known for their distinctive black-and-white appearance and, of course, their pungent spray. If you suspect these stinkers have taken up residence, let’s explore the four common places you might find skunks on your property, how to prevent their stay, and reasons to enlist professional skunk removal in Anne Arundel.

Common Hiding Spots Skunks Use

1. Under Decks or Sheds

Skunks are masters at finding cozy, concealed spots for their dens, and one of their favorite spaces is under decks or sheds. This is especially true during spring when skunks raise their young. As specialists in skunk removal can tell you, these structures protect them from the elements and potential predators, making them a prime spot for skunk families.

Prevention Tips: To deter skunks from nesting under your deck or shed, install a barrier like chicken wire or lattice to block their access. Check for existing occupants before sealing the area.

2. Garages

Yes, your garage can become a skunk’s secret sanctuary. They often sneak in through damaged doors, gaps, or open windows, lured by the temptation of food or shelter. Skunks are opportunistic feeders, and they’ll scavenge for anything that’s easy pickings, from pet food to trash.

Prevention Tips: Keep garage doors tightly closed, repair gaps or holes, and ensure there are no accessible food sources inside. A well-sealed garage discourages skunks from taking up residence.

3. Under Stumps

Skunks love to dig and create dens beneath old tree stumps or in shallow burrows. The cool, dark environment provides an ideal nesting place, especially during the colder months.

Prevention Tips: Remove old stumps and fill in any existing burrows on your property. One major part of learning how to keep skunks off of your property is removing attractive spots skunks may settle in.

4. In Tall Grass

Tall grass and overgrown vegetation are more favorite hiding places for skunks. This shelters them from predators and hides them from prying eyes. While not foraging for food, skunks lounge in these dense, secluded patches.

Prevention Tips: Regularly mow and maintain your lawn and property. By keeping the grass short and tidy, you make your yard less appealing to skunks.

How To Deter Skunks from Your Property

Now that we’ve answered the question, “Where do skunks live on residential properties?”, here are some additional ways to deter skunks:

• Secure Trash Bins: Seal garbage bins tightly to prevent skunks from rummaging for food scraps.
• Remove Fallen Fruit: Fallen fruits in your yard can attract skunks. Promptly clean up fruit that drops from trees.
• Limit Pet Food Access: If you have outdoor pets, feed them indoors, and don’t leave pet food outside overnight.
• Install Motion-Activated Lights: These can startle and discourage skunks from approaching your property.

Hire Skedaddle and Make Skunks Scram

If you face a skunk infestation beyond your DIY efforts, call in the professionals. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control specializes in humane wildlife removal. With over 200,000 wildlife removals under our belt, we’re the trusted choice of Humane Societies and SPCAs. 

Skedaddle relocates skunks and other pests safely, ensuring they find a new home in their natural habitat, away from your property.

Schedule Professional Skunk Removal in Anne Arundel from Skedaddle 

While skunks consider areas like under your deck to be the Ritz Carlton of nesting sites, a few skunk-proofing tricks will have them checking out of your property for good

With proper prevention measures and the help of experts like Skedaddle, you can enjoy a skunk-free and odor-free environment year-round. For expert skunk removal services, call Skedaddle or submit a Contact Us form.