To solve a skunk problem, we start with a complete assessment of your property to determine where the skunks are living and how they’re gaining access. Since skunks do not climb our inspection will focus on the ground level den sites like porches, decks and sheds. We then perform a careful and humane removal, including any babies.
Once we humanely remove any skunks and their babies we will move on to clearing the den site of any damaged property, nesting material or debris that was gathered by the animals. We can then begin cleaning, disinfecting and deodorizing the area to eliminate any risk of illness, irritating odors and attractants for other wildlife.
To prevent a future skunk problem, our technicians will get to work installing protective barriers designed to keep skunks out. This usually involves digging out around the perimeter of the deck, shed or porch and burying a heavy steel mesh deep into the ground. Our workmanship and materials are backed by a lifetime warranty.
As everyone knows, skunks are well equipped to defend themselves with their odoriferous spray, which is one of the reasons why you don’t want to try to remove them from your Collingwood property by yourself. Another reason is that skunks can carry diseases that can transmit to humans. Our technicians are trained to remove skunks from your property safely and humanely, and eliminate the threat for you and your family.
Our process consists of multiple steps. First, we assess your property to locate the skunks, then remove them by hand. If there are babies that still rely on their mother, we place them in an open, heated box so that the mother can find them and relocate them to a new den. The next step, which is particularly important when skunks are involved, is to decontaminate the areas where they have been. The final step is exclusion to keep them from coming back by screening your property against re-entry. With our decades of experience, we know where skunks are most likely to be.
Skunks can live in a variety of habitats and are often found in forest edges within two miles of water. With the area around Collingwood being forested, this increases the potential for incursions, especially along the outskirts. Like raccoons, skunks may forage for food in areas with garbage cans, outdoor gardens or fallen fruit. Unlike raccoons, skunks cannot climb, so they make their dens close to the ground, such as under patios, decks, or porches. While they look for existing holes in which to build dens, they are skilled at digging and can excavate a new den or make an existing hole bigger. Skunks are nocturnal, so if you have them on your property, you’ll probably smell them before you see them.
Contrary to their reputation, skunks are docile, non-aggressive creatures that prefer to run from danger when possible. In some ways, their presence can actually be beneficial to humans. Here are some fascinating facts about skunks:
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Like other Ontario wildlife, skunks have an important role to play in the ecosystem and are deserving of respect. Contact us for humane, ethical and effective skunk removal from your Collingwood home.
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