Skunks are fascinating animals, but their presence on your property can lead to serious challenges. Their burrowing behaviour often causes structural damage, lingering odours, and potential health risks. Skunks use burrows underneath structures like decks, porches, and sheds to seek refuge, especially during the colder months or when raising their young. Understanding skunks’ burrowing habits and investing in prevention is critical to protect your property from skunks and maintain a safe, odour-free environment for your household.

Skunk Burrowing Behaviour

Skunks are natural diggers, using their powerful front claws to excavate burrows. These underground spaces provide a safe haven where they can shelter from predators, raise their young, and stay warm during the winter. On your property, skunks often gravitate towards areas that mimic natural den sites, such as:

• Under decks and porches
• Beneath sheds and other foundationless structures
• Alongside rocks or woodpiles

Skunks do not hibernate in winter but instead enter periods of inactivity, using their burrows as shelter. During spring, skunks look for secure den sites to give birth and raise their young, usually between May and June. A single litter can range from four to seven kits on average. These kits remain completely reliant on their mother for the first few months of life. 

Signs of skunk burrowing activity include piles of freshly dug soil near structures and small entrances that indicate their burrow location. Skunks’ digging can displace substantial amounts of dirt, weakening the stability of your structures.

Left unchecked, these burrows can lead to:

• Structural damage to decks, sheds, or porches
• Unexpected skunk encounters and spray incidents
• Destruction of gardens and lawns as skunks dig for grubs

Recognizing these signs early is key to minimizing damage and avoiding a prolonged skunk presence on your property.

Skunk Burrow Prevention

Preventing skunks from creating burrows on your property starts with making the environment less inviting. Here are some effective prevention methods you can use:

• Seal Potential Entry Points: Skunks often look for gaps or openings that allow easy digging. Inspect areas around your deck, porch, or shed, and install barriers where needed. Skedaddle’s experts use heavy-duty steel mesh buried 8–12 inches into the ground to prevent skunks from digging underneath structures.
• Eliminate Attractive Food Sources: Skunks are drawn to properties with easy access to food, such as unsecured trash bins, pet food dishes left outside, or gardens. Secure your garbage bins with locking lids, and consider fencing around garden beds to restrict access.
• Maintain a Tidy Property: Skunks seek cover in overgrown vegetation, woodpiles, and debris. Regularly clean up your yard, trim vegetation, and store firewood off the ground to make it less appealing.
• Use Proper Lighting and Deterrents: Skunks are nocturnal and prefer dark, quiet areas. Installing motion-activated lighting can deter them from frequenting your property. Additionally, placing scent deterrents or ultrasonic repellents around structures can discourage digging.
• Schedule Proactive Inspections: Hiring professionals to identify and address potential issues before skunks settle in is the most effective solution. Wildlife control experts like Skedaddle can assess your property for vulnerabilities and recommend tailored solutions.

Prevention not only saves you stress but also shields your property from costly repairs linked to skunk activity. When done properly, these measures secure your home against future intrusions.

Protect Property From Skunks

Taking steps to secure your property can save you from dealing with the complications associated with skunks. With their ability to dig hundreds of pounds of soil, skunks can cause damage far beyond their burrow’s entrance. Protecting your property involves more than just preventing damage; it’s also about maintaining your family’s safety and comfort.

Here’s why acting early makes all the difference:

• Avoid Lingering Odours: A skunk spray near your home or beneath a structure can seep into porous materials, leaving an unyielding odour. Even a small spray can take weeks to dissipate.
• Prevent Rabies Risks: While skunks are not overly aggressive, they can carry rabies. Reducing the chance of exposure by keeping them off your property protects pets and family members.
• Reduce the Need for Repairs: Resolving a skunk infestation after they establish a burrow may result in significant repair costs for damaged structures.

If skunks already live on your property, it’s essential to avoid direct interactions with them. Mothers with young in their burrow are especially defensive and likely to spray if threatened. Professionals are trained to safely remove animals and prevent future access to the same area.

Investing in prevention methods, such as barriers and regular inspections, is a proactive way to ensure long-term protection of your home.

Why Skunk Burrow Prevention is Essential

Preventing skunk burrows isn’t just about keeping your property tidy—it’s a necessary step for avoiding the challenges these animals can bring. Skunks’ burrowing behaviour can lead to a series of problems you don’t want to face. By following a few straightforward measures, you can protect your property and maintain your peace of mind.

Remember:

• Skunks gravitate toward areas with easy access to food and shelter.
• Simple actions like sealing entry points, using deterrents, and cleaning your property can make a big difference.
• Professional help ensures effective prevention and long-term solutions.

If you suspect skunk activity on your property, don’t wait until the damage mounts. This is the best time to contact wildlife control specialists who understand these animals’ habits and can implement expert prevention strategies tailored to your property. Acting now ensures you protect your home from future skunk issues.

How Skedaddle Prevents Skunk Infestation with Humane Removal

At Skedaddle, we prioritize humane and effective solutions to address skunk infestations, ensuring both your property and the animals are treated with care. Our process begins with a thorough inspection of your home and property to identify skunk activity and determine potential entry points. This comprehensive assessment allows us to customize a tailored plan for your specific situation.

• Our trained wildlife specialists use humane methods for safe skunk relocation.  
• We prioritize protecting the animals during the removal process.  
• Special care is taken when dealing with mothers and their young.  
• Skunks are removed together to prevent separation and maintain the family unit.

After removal, we turn our attention to prevention. Our team seals all potential entry points with durable materials to prevent future access, safeguarding your home or property. Additionally, we provide guidance on how to deter skunks, such as proper waste management and landscaping adjustments. 

Take Control of Your Property Today

With Skedaddle’s expertise, you can rest assured that your skunk issue will be resolved responsibly. We combine our knowledge of wildlife behaviour with years of experience to deliver long-lasting solutions that protect your Bowmanville property and respect the well-being of the animals involved.

If you’ve noticed signs of skunk activity, reach out to us. We’re here to provide reliable solutions that keep your property safe for years to come. Don’t wait for a small problem to grow—contact us today and take the first step toward protecting your home.