Skunks are common neighbourhood wildlife known for their powerful scent defence. You do not want these animals nesting on your property, but learning how to get rid of skunks can only come after they make your yard their home. If possible, it is better to focus on prevention, so you never have to deal with an infestation.
4 Signs of Skunk Infestations
As nocturnal animals, skunks can maintain a relatively low profile until they spray in defence. Even when they spray, the smell is not a dead giveaway for where they are. The smell travels.
To identify an infestation, you need to combine clues and signs of activity in your yard or around your house. If everything points to a likely infestation, call a professional to assess the problem and offer solutions. You want to be on the lookout for four signs: visual confirmation, smell, droppings, and tracks.
1. You Saw the Skunks
Visual confirmation is one way to know that skunks are hanging out around your property. The problem is that the animal is shy and nocturnal, so most people will never see it.
If you suspect a skunk is on your property, you can install motion sensor cameras. The devices will only turn on when there is movement in the yard, and when you buy wildlife cameras, they often have night vision.
If you don’t want to spend money on equipment, you can keep an eye on your yard starting at dusk. As the sun begins to set, skunks will leave their dens. They will return before dawn.
2. You Can Smell the Skunks
Skunks will produce an odour even when they don’t spray, especially if they build a den on your property. The smell may stem from urine, nesting materials, etc. You can speak to a technician with skunk removal in Ajax to learn more about possible odours related to skunks.
3. You Saw Droppings or Tracks
Skunk droppings are similar to cat droppings but will contain undigested elements, like berries, insects, seeds, and feathers. You can look for tracks in soft dirt or snow if you do not see droppings.
Skunk tracks are somewhat unique compared to other animals. The animal has five toes with claws on each toe. The rear pads are longer than the front pads, with the heel stretching back at a slight angle. The front pads are somewhat stubby, with the toes and claws making a slight arch from left to right.
4. You Saw Holes in Your Lawn
What does a skunk den look like? Skunks can dig their dens using their powerful claws, but many choose established and abandoned sights, like an old raccoon den. Skunks may also live under decks or sheds if there is enough room. They may also live in hollow logs.
A den is not the only potential hole you may find in your lawn. Skunks will dig into your lawn to find insects to feast on. The holes are half-moon shaped at the top and funnel into a cone shape. Feeding holes are usually between 7cm and 12cm across.
If you find multiple holes on your property, you likely have a skunk problem. While a few holes might occur from a single night of foraging, the animal found a reliable food source in your yard if the spots continue to appear.
Reasons To Hire a Humane Wildlife Control Service
You must never attempt a DIY removal with wild animals, including skunks. Skunks may transmit diseases to humans and can cause injury when frightened or cornered. Only a licensed and trained professional should manage skunk removals. Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control to schedule a property inspection.
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