Survey Your Property
The first step in getting rid of skunks is confirming that you actually have them. Because of their nocturnal habits, you’ll usually smell them before you see them. You will also find trash strewn everywhere in the morning, and a smell that will linger for weeks, even months!
To build their shelter, skunks will dig dens using their very strong front claws, and the passages of these dens will normally be a medium-sized opening in the ground. They may likewise decide on pre-made dens and shelters that have been abandoned by different species, and these can be hollow logs, brush piles, and woodpiles. It is also common that they can be found living very close to humans because of easy access to food and water, so it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see them under porches, in barns, garages, and sheds, or any dark and cozy places that they can fit into.
Locate Activityy
Once you’ve confirmed it’s a skunk you are dealing with, it’s time to look for its shelter place. Shine a light down covered spaces like a pile of wood or leaves, shrubberies, hollow logs, and holes and crevices in your property. Make sure to look in your crawlspaces and any other place that is vulnerable to the outside.
Remove Attractantsy
Getting rid of the skunk would be pointless if you haven’t removed everything that attracts them to your property. Make sure you’ve done everything so that you won’t have to deal with getting rid of them again.
Seal your garbage bins and repair any holes or cracks. You can add additional plastic bags inside so that the smell isn’t as strong and it won’t attract wildlife.
Don’t leave any pet food outdoors as it is easy food for other animals as well. Remember, don’t let pet food become pest food!
If you have bird feeders, secure them properly, and make sure to clean up after spilled seeds.
Get Rid of Skunks, Fast!y
Once you’ve removed any possible things that might attract them back to your property, it’s time to get rid of these little creatures as humanely as possible.
Fencingy
Skunks are really bad at climbing and jumping, so installing even a 3-foot fence along your property line can keep skunks and other wildlife away. Be sure to bury your fence and stake at least 6 inches under the ground to prevent them from digging under it. This method is actually one of the most successful ways to keep out unwanted animals from your property. It also saves you money as you won’t have to invest in further pest control. Be sure that the fence you’re making is a tight one, as these little creatures can fit in holes as small as 4 inches!
Lights Ony
Motion-activated lights aren’t just for your security; it can be used against wildlife as well. The fact that skunks are nocturnal animals can be used to your advantage in this case, as bright lights will easily scare them away. Our tip is to point your lights on areas where there’s the most activity, like garbage cans, sheds, and dark areas where they can possibly hide. Motion-activated lights are better since you don’t need steady lights in these areas, and it will save you money on your electricity bill.
DIY Treatmentsy
Heat up a chopped onion, a sliced jalapeno, and 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper in 2 quarts of water for around 20 minutes. Strain the fluid into a squirt bottle and spray plants to make skunks avoid them. Each portion should last as long as five days. Remember to take caution when you have children and pets, as this solution might irritate them.
Go back to the Lynn wildlife removal home page.