How To Get Rid Of Skunks Under Deck

Understanding Skunk Behaviour and Habitat

Wild animals such as skunks are fascinating creatures with unique behaviours and habitats. As most of us know, they have an unpleasant defence mechanism when threatened, but did you know that they also make great mothers? As the weather warms up, the young babies start to emerge. Baby skunks, also known as kits, are born in dens, which are often found beneath decks or sheds. The den entrance is usually dark and provides a safe haven for the mother skunk and her litter. Understanding skunk behaviour and habitat is not only interesting, but it can also help us coexist peacefully with these wild animals.

Signs of Skunk Presence

Odor: The most obvious sign that you might have an unwelcome guest on your property is if a skunk has sprayed, but keep in mind that the noxious spray is so strong it can be detected from up to a kilometre away so just it’s best to check your property for signs of digging and any other clues.
Tracks: Skunk tracks are very distinct. These animals have five toes with visible claw marks. Skunks living under areas where there is dirt or dried mud would probably leave
Burrows: They can’t climb trees or structures like other animals so skunks tend to dig under things like porches, decks, sheds or gazebos to create their dens, leaving noticeable entry and exit points.

What Would Attract Skunks to Choose Your Shed or Deck

If you’re dealing with skunks living on your property, it’s important to understand what might be attracting them to your space. Skunks are ground-dwellers and love to dig under decks and sheds, seeking the safe place they need and privacy they provide. These structures also offer protection from harsh weather conditions and predators, making them the ideal spot for skunks to call home. While it may not always be possible to eliminate the appeal of a shed or deck on your yard, taking steps to ensure they are fully sealed and free of gaps can make it less of a desirable location for these furry critters to take up residence. Whether you have deck skunks, porch skunks, or shed skunks, Skunk Removal Brampton can help.

Factors Attracting Skunks

Food Sources: The following examples could attract any number of different wild animals to your residence – vegetable gardens, if your pets food is left outside, any birds seed on the ground, and garbage cans or trash bins – any one of these could entice skunks to create a new den on your property.
Shelter: Low-lying structures (ie. shed, deck) sitting on soil or grass. Because of their ability to dig, even if your deck or shed was snug to the soil, it’s easy for them to gain access – if you want to get rid of skunks living underneath a structure, contact Skunk Removal Brampton who can install wire mesh buried in the dirt and set an exit door for the mom and her baby skunks to come out from.
Water: Availability of water sources nearby. If you have a koi pond, an in-ground pool, or live near a river or creek, all the better for them to survive and thrive.

Effective Strategies for Skunk Prevention

Sealing Entry Points

Inspect Your Property: Look for any holes or gaps around your shed or deck, any paw prints, fresh soil dug up, but do not block or seal up any areas without contacting skunk removal Brampton for advice first. You might, inadvertently, seal up a new den with a mama and her babies trapped underneath and left to die, which would be a whole other skunk problem you’d be left dealing with. Also, be sure to look down in your window wells, as sometimes skunks fall in and cannot get out, and they will spray out of panic or frustration.
Use Hardware Cloth: If there are absolutely no signs of a skunk living on your property – and you’re strictly looking at preventing a problem in the future, you can install a mesh barrier around the base of the structure, burying it at least 12 inches underground to prevent them digging under. If it’s been confirmed that skunks are there, it’s best not to deal with this wild animal by yourself. Contact the experts at Skunk Removal Brampton, they can install the wire mesh screening and set a one way door for the mother skunks and young to come out from. The one way door is closed up after 2-3 weeks once they’re out and gone. Any smell left remaining will dissipate over time.

Removing Attractants

Secure your Trash Bins: Use tight-fitting, rodent-proof lids.
Remove Food Sources: Bring pet food indoors at night and manage compost bins. Cage or fence your vegetable garden. Any type of food sources left outside will attract them.
Maintain Your Yard: Keep it clean and free of debris, clear any leaves, brush or wood piles you might have, as a skunk feels it’s a safe place from predators and will be secure if it’s hidden.

Installing Deterrents for Skunks

Motion-Activated Lights: Skunks are nocturnal and will avoid well-lit areas if at all possible. Installing bright lights, or at the very minimum one bright light, may assist to get rid of skunks that may be wanting to linger around.
Human Voices: Get a radio or boom box and tune it to a talk radio station. This sometimes helps to discourage skunks as they believe humans are nearby.
Repellents: Use natural repellents like citrus peels, ammonia-soaked rags in a plastic bag, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, or commercial repellents such as predator’s urine to deter skunks.

Humanely Encouraging Skunks to Leave

Live Trapping (Never trap during the time when mother skunks are in the den with babies!!)

Live trapping can sometimes be effective, but it must be done responsibly and in accordance with local wildlife regulations. Do not move the animal more than one kilometre away, and never try to get rid of skunks this way during baby season.

Purchase a Humane Trap: Ensure it is large enough for a skunk.
Bait the Trap: Use foods like sardines or peanut butter.
Check the Trap Regularly: Do not leave trapped skunks for extended periods.

Professional Wildlife Removal Services

For those uncomfortable with handling skunks, professional wildlife removal services can provide a safe and humane solution. These experts have the knowledge and equipment to relocate skunks without harm.

Post-Skunk Removal Actions

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Remove Skunk Odor: Use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap.
Disinfect the Area: Clean with a bleach solution to eliminate bacteria.

Prevent Future Infestations

Regular Inspections: Conduct regular checks for new entry points.
Maintain Barriers: Ensure that barriers around your shed or deck remain intact.

Conclusion

Managing skunks under your shed or deck requires a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, humane removal, and post-removal actions. By understanding skunk behavior and taking proactive measures, you can protect your property and ensure a skunk-free environment.