If you’ve noticed signs of digging under your deck or shed or maybe even caught sight of a skunk wandering through your yard in Hennepin County, you’re likely wondering how to keep them out. Skunks are persistent animals, often drawn to outdoor structures for shelter and safety. The key to stopping them lies in skunk-proofing decks and sheds by blocking access and making your space less appealing to them. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Hennepin County specializes in skunk prevention, offering safe and effective ways to protect your property.

Preventing skunks from burrowing under your deck or shed starts with understanding why they’re attracted to these areas. Skunks seek out quiet, dark spaces to stay safe from predators and raise their young, often targeting outdoor structures as the perfect hideaway. To stop skunks from burrowing, you’ll need to tackle the problem from all angles by sealing gaps, installing barriers, and eliminating attractants. This guide will walk you through practical steps for preventing skunks under outdoor structures while explaining why professional support from Skedaddle can make all the difference in keeping your yard skunk-free.

Why Do Skunks Burrow Under Decks and Sheds?

Skunks are resourceful animals that thrive in urban and suburban neighborhoods, such as those found throughout Hennepin County. Decks and sheds are particularly appealing to skunks because they offer shelter from bad weather and predators. These structures provide all the protection these animals need to dig burrows, raise their young, and search for nearby food sources.

Preventing skunks under outdoor structures starts with understanding what attracts them. Here are some common reasons why skunks target areas like decks and sheds:

• Shelter and Safety: These spaces provide skunks with easy hiding spots.
• Food Availability: Skunks are opportunistic feeders, and they’ll stick around if you leave pet food, birdseed, or garbage in the yard.
• Dark, Quiet Conditions: These animals prefer secluded locations with minimal activity.

Once you know why skunks are drawn to your deck or shed, you can focus on proactive measures to make these areas less attractive.

How to Stop Skunks From Burrowing Under Your Deck or Shed

Keeping skunks away from your property may seem challenging, but skunk-proofing decks and sheds is easier than you think. By sealing off potential entry points, maintaining your yard, and taking away what these animals are looking for, you can successfully protect your structures. Here’s how to get started.

Install a Physical Barrier

The most effective way to stop skunks from burrowing is by installing a sturdy barrier around the base of your deck or shed. Skunks are small and persistent diggers, so the barrier needs to be both deep and durable:

• Use welded wire or hardware cloth with small openings that skunks can’t squeeze through.
• Dig a trench at least 12 to 18 inches deep around the perimeter of your deck or shed.
• Bury the barrier at a 45-degree angle to make it harder for skunks to dig underneath.
• Ensure the barrier extends at least 6 inches above ground to discourage climbing.

This approach physically blocks these animals from accessing the areas under outdoor structures, keeping them from burrowing or settling in.

Seal Gaps and Openings

Skunks tend to take advantage of existing gaps in decks, sheds, and other outdoor structures. Search for and seal any possible openings to prevent easy access:

• Look for gaps where these animals might slip through, such as cracks in the foundation, spaces between deck boards, or loose siding.
• Use materials like caulk, wood, or metal flashing to seal smaller gaps.
• For larger openings, reinforce with hardware cloth or commercial-grade mesh.

By closing these gaps, you’ll be forcing these animals to look elsewhere for burrowing spots.

Eliminate Attractants

Skunks are opportunists. They’ll quickly settle into spaces where food, shelter, and hiding spots are easy to find. Keeping your yard clean and well-maintained can go a long way toward preventing skunks under outdoor structures like decks and sheds. Here’s how to tackle common attractants:

• Pet Food and Dishes: Skunks have a keen sense of smell, and leftover pet food is like an open invitation. If you leave food and water bowls outside overnight, skunks could take notice and keep coming back for these easy meals. To stop this, always bring your pet’s dishes indoors after mealtimes. It’s a simple step that makes your yard less appealing to skunks without affecting your pets.
• Garbage: An unsecured trash can is a buffet waiting to happen. Skunks are scavengers, and they love rummaging through garbage for scraps of food. To avoid this, make sure you’re using trash bins with tight-fitting lids that can’t be easily knocked over. You might also consider placing your bins in a shed or garage overnight. This keeps these animals from sniffing out leftovers and taking up residence nearby.
• Birdseed: Bird feeders are wonderful, but the spilled seeds can attract more than just birds. Skunks are drawn to the ground below feeders, where seeds pile up. To prevent this, don’t overfill your feeders and clean up any spilled seed promptly. You could also look into feeders designed to minimize waste, which can save you the headache of skunk visitors.
• Compost: While composting is great for the environment, poorly managed compost piles can quickly attract these animals. The smell of decomposing food and organic material is particularly tempting. To keep these animals away, use a tightly sealed compost bin that blocks odors. Avoid tossing in meat, dairy, or greasy foods, as these are especially irresistible to wildlife.
• Yard Debris: A cluttered yard filled with fallen leaves, overgrown bushes, or stacks of wood is like a welcome mat for skunks. These spots provide ready-made hiding places and can even serve as starting points for digging. Take time to rake up leaves, trim overgrown plants, and remove woodpiles or fallen fruit from trees. By keeping your yard tidy and clear, you’ll eliminate the cozy nooks that skunks love so much.

Tidying up will make your property less appealing to these animals and help reduce the chances of skunks burrowing under your deck or shed.

Add Skunk Deterrents

Using safe repellents can enhance your efforts to skunk-proof your deck or shed. Although they should never be the only solution, deterrents can help discourage skunks from approaching in the first place. Here are some simple options:

• Motion-Activated Lights: Bright lights can startle skunks at night.
• Motion-Activated Sprinklers: A sudden spray of water can scare them off.
• Strong-Smelling Substances: Spread substances like citrus peels or ammonia-soaked rags near potential entry points. (Make sure these are safe for pets and children.)

While deterrents can reduce skunk activity, they work best when combined with other efforts like installing barriers and sealing gaps.

Contact Professionals for Help

Despite your best efforts, skunks are determined creatures, and you may find it tough to keep them out. That’s where our professionals at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Hennepin County come in. If you’re dealing with skunks that have already set up camp under your deck or shed, our team can help remove them safely and humanely.

Unlike DIY methods that can sometimes make problems worse, we use proven techniques to handle wildlife. One of our key tools is the installation of one-way doors, which allow skunks to leave their burrows but prevent them from coming back. This ensures the animals will naturally move on without causing harm or damage.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Skunks may seem harmless, but ignoring their burrowing behavior can lead to bigger issues. Their digging can damage foundations, disrupt landscaping, and create lingering odors around your home. Worse, these animals can carry diseases like rabies, increasing the risk to your pets and family.

Taking preventive action is the best way to avoid these problems. By skunk-proofing decks and sheds and addressing skunk activity early, you’ll save yourself time, money, and frustration down the line.

Secure Your Deck and Shed Today

Dealing with these animals doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By taking the right steps to stop skunks from burrowing and removing what attracts them, you can protect your property and keep these animals at bay. Remember to install physical barriers, close gaps, and clean up your yard to make it less welcoming to these animals.

If you’re facing ongoing skunk problems, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Hennepin County is here to help. Our professional team specializes in safe, human-focused removal methods. Request an estimate today to learn more about how we can help you with skunk-proofing decks and sheds and help you regain peace of mind!