4 Ways To Get Rid of Skunks Under Your Deck

Skunks are very adaptable animals who can live in a wide variety of locations. They often choose to live near humans because of the availability of food and water that exists around humans. This makes your home and lawn extremely susceptible to a skunk invasion. Places such as garages, basements, decks, and attics particularly appeal to skunks and other wildlife. If you hear scratching noises or have other evidence of an animal invader, you may need to contact a service specializing in skunk removal in Ajax. Here are some ways to prevent these critters from dwelling around the exterior of your home. 

Remove Sources of Food and Water

Like all wild animals, skunks are constantly looking for sources of food and water to survive. To prevent these animals from invading your home, you need to start by eliminating any standing water or food that is easily accessible. If you have a pet cat or dog, try to keep their food inside and away from open windows and doors. Keep this especially in mind when warmer weather approaches, as that is the more attractive time of year to open windows for fresh air and a breeze.  In addition to paying attention to pet food, it is important to keep your home clean and free of human food crumbs. Skunks especially enjoy hiding out under decks, so keep an eye on food droppings if you have a barbecue or meal on your porch. 

Seal Points of Entry

Although professional skunk removal in Ajax services can help you safely and humanely get rid of skunks, it is better to try to prevent an infestation in the first place. One way to do this is by sealing off the area to critters who might be looking for food, water, or a place to get warm. Steps involved in doing this include:

• Ensuring that there are no existing skunks in your yard or under your deck, who would effectively be trapped inside the fence after you seal off the area 
• Double checking that there are no baby skunks on the inside, as they can be especially difficult to see 
• Putting up a metal or wooden gate around your lawn, home, or porch, to prevent skunks from coming back to live under the structure 

Chicken wire is an effective and low-cost tool for preventing animals from entering the premises and taking up residence under a deck. Pay close attention to your vegetable garden and droppings from fruit trees, if applicable, as these are also sources of food for skunks. 

Put Up Lights

Skunks like dark areas and are therefore deterred from burrowing around well-lit locations. A motion-detecting light is a good investment that keeps skunks and other nuisances away from your deck. If you prefer to have a light on outside all the time, and not just when something is moving around, consider installing low-cost, energy-efficient LED lights for your porch and house. 

Mind Your Garbage

Skunks very much have the goal of finding food during their outings. Trash bins are one way that these animals obtain food. When you put your trash out for collection, it is easy to put the lid on so that wildlife does not recognize the smell and come investigate.  Regardless of how many preventative measures you take to discourage skunks from coming in and around your home, there is always the potential for an invasion. If you see a wild animal, never approach them, and contact a professional animal removal service such as Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control right away. We specialize in the safe and humane removal of critters like skunks living under your deck.