Oshawa animal services should be the first thing on your mind if you suspect a skunk infestation on your property. Things go from bad to worse when the critters are left to themselves and that’s why you can’t just let the skunks be. The striped skunk is a mammal infamous for their ability to spray an offensive odour when they feel threatened. This species can not only wreak havoc with its smell – they can also cause major damage to your home. Skunks are not known to be aggressive animals and are careful not to spray themselves when spraying their threat. If you’re currently experiencing issues with a skunk on your property, it is important that you not try to remove the animal yourself. There are many factors involved with safe and humane skunk removal and the assistance of professional animal removal services is your best course of action. Here’s what you need to know:

• Where they hide
• How they act when injured or scared
• The burrowing
• Their spray
• How to deal with them

Skunks can spray up to 5 metres long.

Where They Hide

Skunks are excellent diggers and will look to build a den under your porch, deck or shed, making it extremely challenging to locate them. It can be difficult to access a skunk den which means that wildlife technicians prefer to wait until the skunk leaves the den, they will then use proper measures to exclude the skunk. If there are baby skunks present, they are placed inside a heated baby box so their mother can safely carry them to one of her other multiple den sites in the area.

How They Act When Injured or Scared

Skunks can cause significant damage when injured, scared or mating. They will initially give off warning signs such as hissing, stomping their feet, baring their teeth or raising their tail. If the perceived threat persists, they will resort to spraying. The odour can remain on pets or in the ventilation system for weeks or months. These animals can cause major stress to buildings and landscaping by burrowing and spreading foul odour that is often difficult to remove afterward.

Skunks tend to find shelter low to the ground, like garages or sheds.

The Burrowing

Skunks burrow out their dens which can cause damage to porches, decks, sheds, and foundations. They are nocturnal animals and will chew or burrow through wood and siding almost effortlessly. They will also often dig up lawns or gardens to find their food. A large part of a skunk’s diet is insects, grubs, and garbage, with the latter posing a particular problem in the event of a skunk infestation.

Their Spray

The smell from a skunks spray can stay on your clothes for days, weeks or even months. If it enters the ventilation system of your home, it can be very pervasive. Skunk spray can cause nausea and vomiting, it can also cause temporary blindness in humans and animals. It is extremely hard to get rid of that smell. It remains active for long periods of time, affecting anyone who comes into contact with it.

How to Deal with Them

The most effective way to deal with skunks is to remove the family from its den and seal off any entrance they could use by digging a trench and installing screening. Getting rid of the mother skunk won’t cause your problem to go away, as the babies might still cause damage. If they die, their decomposing carcasses could attract other critters and further increase the problem. That is why it is always best to call in the professionals to deal with them humanely and effectively.

In Need of Expert Help with a Skunk Infestation? Get in Touch with Skedaddle

If you’re in need of professional Oshawa animal services, look no further than Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Skedaddle has been in the business for nearly thirty years, amassing significant hands-on experience in that time. Skedaddle technicians use only humane removal and exclusion techniques and make sure to allow the mother skunks to reunite with their kits safely. Get in touch with Skedaddle today and ensure your Oshawa home is completely free of skunks.