Skunks dig two types of holes — burrows that they use for sleeping and nesting and much smaller holes for finding food. The safest way to deal with this type of problem is to trust skunk removal Milwaukee experts here at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control.
How To Recognize a Burrow
It can be hard to tell the difference between the signs of one animal or another. When you are trying to determine what animal is on your property, it is better to wait for wildlife removal technicians to tell you what they caught than risk getting too close and causing the animal to feel the need to defend itself. However, there are a few easily recognizable features of a skunk home that announce your new striped neighbor.
Size and Location
A burrow entrance will be approximately eight inches wide and deep enough that you will not be able to see all the way into the nest, especially since you ought to keep a safe distance from any wildlife den.
A skunk often likes to dig its home under an object that it considers sound and protective. In nature, this means it is on the lookout for a fallen log, a large rock, or another similar structure. In your yard, however, this unfortunately often means it is likely to dig a hole that undermines the foundation of your home, patio, deck, or other outdoor structure.
Hair
It’s difficult to say with certainty whether a den belongs to a raccoon or skunk since the holes are approximately the same size and either animal may claim a burrow that once belonged to the other. One way to get a good idea of what kind of animal is using the hole is to look for hair at the edge. Raccoons commonly leave small clumps of fur behind when they squeeze into a den. Generally, skunks leave only a few hairs behind at the entrance.
How To Recognize Foraging Holes
The holes left behind by attempts to find food are relatively small and shallow, but plentiful. Skunk holes made during foraging will be no more than a couple inches in diameter, four inches deep, and are relatively cone-shaped. If a skunk learns that it can find delicious grubs in your lawn or garden, you will regularly see groupings of holes. Filling in the damage does not deter the behavior because the animal is not concerned about what happens with the hole after it has found dinner.
How To Prevent Skunk Damage
Skunk holes all have a purpose, and they will continue to return if the animal is receiving positive reinforcement for the behavior. If every time it tries to dig for food in your lawn it finds grubs, the skunk will keep coming back. Having an appealing food source nearby will make that skunk more likely to decide to find a nice place to dig a home.
Skunks have a wide diet of plants and bugs, so you will probably not be able to eliminate all meal sources, especially if you have a garden. However, you can make food more difficult to get to by using chicken wire and treating your lawn for grubs and being sure to remove all other food sources like pet food and trash. If food is easier to get somewhere else, your nighttime visitors are less likely to come.
Skunk Removal in Milwaukee
We can safely and humanely take care of your wildlife problem because we understand animals. Whether or not you are certain about which creatures are digging holes on your property, our technicians can get rid of them for you and even give you additional tips on how to prevent another from moving in. Contact us today to get the professional and caring help that you deserve.
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