Keeping Skunks Out of Your Garden

Most people associate skunks with their terrible smell and don't anticipate having a close encounter with these furry creatures. The consensus is that skunks tend to be shy and stay away from busy residential areas. However, some skunks can become a nuisance and cause problems to property owners' homes and gardens. Now is the time of year when skunks make their dens and reproduce, potentially creating an issue for homeowners. For skunk trouble, it's best to call skunk removal experts in Milwaukee: Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control.

Problems Skunks Can Cause

Skunks can cause chaos even without their smelly spray. They have been known to dig up gardens for fruits and vegetables and tear up lawns looking for insects to eat. They also may get into trash cans or garbage bags and make a big mess searching for food. This could also lead to attracting other animals to a resident's property. Skunks are also known to dig under sheds or decks and make a den, causing damage to the structure and the ground itself.  Additionally, skunks could potentially be carrying rabies, a dangerous disease to humans and pets. The most well-known problem with skunks is the release of an intense spray when cornered or frightened. Skunks mostly avoid people, but it's likely a dog or cat could encounter one and force it to react defensively. If a skunk feels threatened, it may lift its tail and spray its stench all over a pet or a resident's property. That lingering smell is notoriously difficult to get rid of if it coats the lawn or a portion of a person's home and a challenge to completely rinse off a pet.

Signs Skunks Are Around

Since skunks are nocturnal and somewhat shy, a resident may not even realize they're around. Other than that unforgettable skunk spray odor, there are other signs that skunks live in or around a property. One big clue that there are skunks around is when the trash cans or bags have been pushed over or opened. However, this is also a sign of many other common species of wildlife. Skunks may also leave behind small holes in the yard of about three or four inches in diameter. If there are fruit and vegetables in the garden, there may be bite marks or damage to the lower portion of the plants. People who raise chickens may find some of their eggs missing if skunks are around, and even in some cases a chicken may disappear. Finally, a clear sign of skunks is when they leave behind tracks, which show claws and five toes.

Tips for Prevention and Skunk Removal in Milwaukee

To prevent skunks from turning a homeowner's sanctuary into a haven of their own, it's important to be vigilant with the trash area. Property owners must obtain trash receptacles that close completely and should avoid putting out unprotected bags. They must also make sure potentially edible debris in their lawn is picked up and not left outside. Gardeners must also take steps to protect their fruit and vegetable patches with a small perimeter fence. Putting a fence up that's about three feet high will keep skunks out and protect the plants inside. An easy way to keep animals like skunks off the lawn is to install motion-sensor sprinklers. When activated, skunks get sprayed with a gentle stream of water, causing them to make their den somewhere else. The best way to prevent wildlife problems is to consult an expert handler, like the pros at Skedaddle. It's never smart or safe to try and handle skunks because of the danger of contracting a disease or getting sprayed or injured. Instead, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control for assistance.