A Problem That Stinks
Skunks don’t climb very well, but they are excellent diggers. You won’t find them in your attic, but you may very well discover them under your deck or porch. They prefer to dig their dens in places that are protected on all sides and hidden out of view. This makes a deck an ideal location. Even though these creatures aren’t a danger, they do pose a couple of problems when they carve out living quarters under your deck.Persistent Stenches
A skunk’s only defence is its pungent spray, but it has to use it sparingly because it can take up to 10 days to replenish. Despite this fact, spring can be a stinky time of year when you have skunks on your property. Two males fighting over a female often take aim with the glands under their tails rather than with their claws or teeth. On the other hand, when females aren’t interested in a male’s attention, she lets him know by letting loose her spray. All of this action around your home can leave a persistent stench in the air.Animal Attractions
If you have dogs or cats that spend time outdoors, they do not know enough to steer clear of the black-and-white fluffball roaming the yard. Even if they are just curious or attempting to engage in play, they often become the target of a skunk’s backside weapon. These animals are shockingly accurate and are capable of hitting their mark from a 3-metre distance. When your smelly guests move on, your problems aren’t over. Their vacant home may as well have a “For Rent” sign posted out front welcoming a new resident. A skunk’s abandoned den is inviting to other animals passing through your yard. It often does not take too long before a new tenant moves in, only this one may do more damage than the previous one.An Ounce of Prevention
There are preventative measures you can take to make your deck unappealing to skunks in the first place. When any wild animal seeks to take up residence around or in your home, they do so because they have access to adequate food sources and a safe place to shelter. Take these steps to reduce access to food:- Keep a tight lid on your rubbish bin and never leave a bag of garbage sitting outside.
- Do not store bags of pet food outside.
- Pick your garden veggies as soon as they are ripe.