Window Wells and Skunks: A Bad Combination

Skunks are cute little animals, but they aren’t exactly known for their grace. They can be quite clumsy. They aren’t great at climbing trees, so their dens are down to Earth. You aren’t at all likely to find them in your attic, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t get into trouble on your property. If you discover a skunk around your home that seems to be doing more than simply passing through, contact Skedaddle for professional and humane skunk removal in Kitchener. If you have a basement with window wells, you may unwittingly trap a skunk.

Things Could Get Stinky

Skunks are nocturnal, which means that they are most active between sundown and sunup. They are usually solitary, though kits remain with their mothers for the first year of their lives. If you see multiples, it’s likely a little family. Though they’re shy, they’ve adapted to living among humans and find food and shelter around our homes. Unfortunately, it isn’t uncommon for one (or the whole family) to become trapped in a window well during their nighttime amblings. If they spot something desirable — such as water or food — they may hop down inside the well to get it and then find that they cannot get back out. A trapped skunk is a scared skunk. Most window wells are deep and encased in a material that is impossible for skunks to climb. You may hear it frantically attempting escape. When it figures out that it can’t get out, it is likely to spray. We are all familiar with the pungent odour of skunk spray. You don’t really want that smell down in your window well or on your window! What’s more, these typically non-aggressive animals become a threat when they are cornered and terrified.

It Could Lead to Trouble

One common suggestion for getting a stuck skunk out of a window well is to place a wooden plank into the well, leaning against the top. The skunk would then be able to climb out on its own. It’s a humane method, but it is risky for the homeowner. When the skunk sees you approach with a piece of wood, it isn’t likely to understand that you’re there to help. You may then become a prime target for a spray down. You are also at risk of being attacked once the skunk makes its escape. It’s far better to contact professionals for skunk removal Kitchener. If you haven’t yet found yourself in the unpleasant situation of finding a trapped skunk in your window well, count yourself lucky and take the following steps to ensure your luck holds:

• Cover window well openings with a metal mesh to keep skunks — and other wildlife — from becoming trapped.
• Cover the openings under decks and porches with a metal mesh to prevent skunks from denning in these ideal locations. Before you put the guard in place, make sure there are no critters already in residence. If you’re uncertain of what to look for, contact your local wildlife removal experts.
• Remove easy access to food sources. Make sure food gardens are secure. Latch the lids on your garbage bins. Don’t store pet food outdoors.
• Add additional lighting around porch and deck areas, as skunks much prefer to den under the protective cover of darkness.

When you make your home as unappealing to skunks as possible, you’re far less likely to find yourself in a stinky situation.

You Can Get Skunk Removal Help

Our Skedaddle technicians in Kitchener have the experience and knowledge it takes to safely and humanely remove skunks from your property. Then can take care of your skunk issue without anyone getting sprayed. If you’ve discovered skunks in a window well or anywhere else around your home, contact us today to schedule services.