Skunks are nocturnal mammals that create dens as their shelter. They burrow near a food source and water source. Skunk dens are indicated by their rounded shape and the well-worn entrance. Removing skunk dens should be done with caution and is recommended to be performed by a professional wildlife removal service. To prevent skunks from coming to your property, secure your trash cans, pet food, and birdseed. Trim overgrown bushes and trees, seal off any potential entrances to your home, and use motion-activated lights and sprinklers to deter them.
Skunk Infestations: How to Identify and Remove Skunk Dens
Skunks are often renowned for their strong odor and black and white fur. These small, nocturnal mammals are not aggressive but can spray their potent scent as a defense mechanism. Skunks are burrowing animals, and they create dens as their shelter. If you have skunks on your property, it can be a nuisance as they can cause damage to your garden, lawn, and home. Here’s a guide to identify and remove skunk dens from your property.
Identifying Skunk Dens
Skunks create their dens in a variety of areas, including under decks, sheds, and porches, or in crawl spaces, holes, or fallen trees. They usually burrow near a food source, which could be insects, grubs, or small rodents, and near a water source. Skunk dens are indicated by their rounded shape and well-worn entrance, which can be 6 to 8 inches in diameter. They may also leave droppings, tracks in the soil, and a foul odor in and around the den.
Removing Skunk Dens
Removing skunk dens should be done with caution, as skunks can spray their scent at any time and cause irritation to the nose, eyes, and skin. It’s best to hire a professional wildlife removal service to handle the situation, especially if you’re dealing with a large number of skunks or a skunk family. Here’s a general guide on how to remove skunk dens:
- Identify the den and its location.
- Secure your trash cans, pet food, and birdseed to remove their food source.
- Seal off all possible entrances to the den, except the main entrance.
- Place a one-way exclusion door or a trap near the main entrance.
- Check the trap or exclusion door daily and release the skunk far away from your property.
- Fill in the den with soil, rocks, or other materials to prevent re-entry.
FAQs about Skunk Infestations
Q: Are skunks dangerous?
A: Skunks are not aggressive and will only spray their scent as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened. However, their scent can cause irritation to the nose, eyes, and skin.
Q: What attracts skunks to my property?
A: Skunks are attracted to properties with a food source, such as open trash cans, unsecured pet food, and birdseed. They also look for a water source and areas with shelter, such as decks, sheds, and porches.
Q: How can I prevent skunks from coming to my property?
A: To prevent skunks from coming to your property, secure your trash cans, pet food, and birdseed. Trim overgrown bushes and trees, seal off any potential entrances to your home, and use motion-activated lights and sprinklers to deter them.
Q: Do skunks hibernate?
A: Skunks don’t hibernate, but they do go into a type of deep sleep called torpor during the coldest months of the year.
