Spring is here, bringing blooming flowers, warmer weather, and, unfortunately, the risk of skunk spray. Spring marks the peak of skunk activity, as it’s their breeding season, making encounters with these animals more common. For pet owners, this can mean smelly and stressful situations for curious cats and dogs who get too close.

The good news is there are steps you can take to protect your pets and property from skunks. In this blog, we’ll look at why spring is skunk spraying season, how it affects your furry friends and home, and what you can do to avoid unwanted encounters.

Why do skunks spray? Skunks spray as a defence mechanism, and their scent is not only unpleasant but can also cause irritation and distress for pets. Understanding why skunks spray and how it can impact your home is the first step to preventing problems. By the end of this guide, you’ll have practical tips to keep skunks away and ensure your pets and property stay safe and odour-free this spring.

Why is Spring Skunk Spraying Season?

Spring marks the start of the breeding season for skunks, which is why their activity increases significantly during this time. Mating season typically lasts through the late winter into spring, with females often on high alert to protect themselves. They’ll spray as a self-defence mechanism against threats. 

Additionally, as the temperatures rise, these nocturnal animals emerge from their winter dens to forage for food. They’re most active at dawn and dusk, increasing the likelihood of encounters with pets and homeowners. 

Understanding their behaviour during this season sheds light on why you might notice these animals digging under your shed, prowling around your backyard, or (unfortunately) leaving their pungent mark in your vicinity. 

Why do skunks spray? These animals don’t spray without reason. Their foul-smelling odour is a powerful weapon used solely for self-defence. When they feel threatened by predators—or your overly curious dog—they release their spray to ward off danger. A skunk’s spray not only lingers, but its effects can also have significant impacts, particularly on pets and outdoor spaces. 

Why Pets Are at Risk

Pets, like cats and dogs, are naturally curious creatures. They often find themselves face-to-face with skunks due to their inquisitive nature or instincts. However, this close encounter can lead to unfortunate consequences. 

Skunk spray is more than just a strong smell; it can have irritating effects on your furry friend. When a skunk sprays, the strong odour can make your pet uncomfortable and cause discomfort. It can irritate their eyes, skin, and respiratory system, potentially leading to temporary blindness, nausea, and other health risks. Older pets, who may have more sensitive health, can be particularly vulnerable to the aftermath of skunk encounters.

As the skunk spraying season approaches, it’s important to take steps to protect your pet and your property from these encounters. By being aware of the risks and taking preventative measures, you can help keep your pet safe and minimize the impact of skunk spray on their well-being.

How to Protect Your Pets from Wildlife 

Keeping your pets out of harm’s way may feel challenging, but it’s completely doable with the right strategy. Here are some steps you can take to safeguard them from unwanted encounters with these animals. 

Keep Your Pets Safe on Walks

Ensure the safety of your furry companions by keeping them on leashes during walks, especially at dawn and dusk when wildlife activity, including skunks, is at its peak. By maintaining control and proximity, you can minimize the chances of unexpected encounters. 

Avoid Outdoor Pet Food

To deter skunks from your property, avoid leaving pet food outdoors. The scent of food can attract wildlife, including skunks, increasing the likelihood of encounters. By storing pet food indoors and feeding your pets indoors as well, you can limit the temptation for these animals to visit your property.

Consider Fencing Your Yard

Installing a fence around your yard can act as a barrier, limiting access to wildlife, including skunks. This physical boundary creates an extra layer of protection, reducing the chances of encounters and potential conflicts with these animals.

Supervise Pets in Outdoor Spaces

Whenever your pets are in outdoor spaces, make sure to supervise them closely. By keeping a watchful eye, you can help prevent unexpected encounters with skunks or other wildlife. Promptly bringing your pets indoors at the first sign of wildlife presence can further mitigate the risk of encounters.

Dangers to Your Property 

When it comes to protecting your property from skunks, it’s essential to be aware of their habits and the potential damage they can cause. Skunks are known for digging under decks, sheds, or porches to create dens where they seek shelter. This digging behaviour can result in harm to your lawns and gardens as they search for insects, their primary source of food.

The odour left behind by skunk spray can be a significant concern. Skunk spray has a lingering effect that can make your outdoor spaces unlivable for days or even weeks if not properly addressed. This can be frustrating for homeowners, disrupting outdoor activities and impacting the overall enjoyment of your property.

To protect your property from skunk-related issues, it’s important to take proactive measures. By implementing effective prevention strategies, such as securing potential entry points and addressing attractants like food sources, you can minimize the likelihood of skunks taking up residence on your property. If you encounter a skunk or suspect their presence, it’s best to seek professional assistance to safely and humanely handle the situation. 

Prevention Tips for Protecting Your Property 

Keeping these animals off your property requires some straightforward steps to remove anything that might attract them while making your space less inviting. To keep these striped critters at bay without harming them or risking unpleasant encounters, you can follow some simple steps:

• Seal Entry Points: Check under your decks, sheds, and porches for any openings or gaps that skunks could use as potential dens. Block these access points with sturdy materials like wire mesh or metal flashing to prevent skunks from entering.
• Manage Garbage and Compost: Proper waste management is key to avoiding skunk attractions. Make sure your garbage bins are secure and have tightly fitting lids to prevent skunks from rummaging through them. Also, consider using enclosed compost systems to minimize odours that can lure skunks to your property.
• Use Motion-Activated Deterrents: Installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers can effectively deter skunks from entering your yard. These devices startle skunks with sudden bursts of light or water, encouraging them to seek a more peaceful habitat elsewhere.

Professional Help for Long-Term Protection 

When dealing with skunks on your property, it’s important to call professionals who specialize in humane wildlife removal and prevention. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Durham provides expert services to help keep skunks away for good. With our experience and effective solutions, we can handle your skunk problem and protect your property.

Our Skedaddle team starts with a detailed property inspection to identify the extent of the skunk issue and locate possible entry points. They then offer skunk-proofing services, like securing garbage bins and sealing entry areas, to prevent future problems.

One of the most effective methods is using one-way doors. These allow skunks to leave your property but stop them from coming back in. This humane approach ensures skunks are safely and permanently removed.

If skunks are causing issues on your property, reach out to Skedaddle for a professional solution. Our team will give you peace of mind by making sure your property is properly protected.

Contact Skedaddle today to get a quote and learn more about our services. Don’t let skunks take over your property—let the experts handle it for you!