Skunks are interesting animals, but they can cause big problems around your home. These animals are very territorial, especially when they find a safe place to hide and an easy food source. Once they choose an area, they will claim it as their own. Skunks often make their homes under porches, decks, or sheds, as these spaces feel safe and secure.
They can become very protective of these spots, especially if they have young ones to care for. If a person or pet gets too close to their home, skunks will warn them by stomping their feet or raising their tail. If the warning is ignored, they may spray a strong-smelling liquid to keep the threat away. This spray can be very unpleasant and hard to remove.
Understanding skunk behaviour is important for homeowners to keep their property safe and avoid problems. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Montreal, we specialize in helping people deal with skunks in a humane and effective way. This blog will explain how skunks take over areas in your yard and how to recognize the signs of their presence, so you can protect your property and avoid any unwanted encounters.
How Skunks Are Territorial Around Homes
These animals are usually shy, but they change their behaviour when they claim a space. When they find a dark, safe spot to build a den, they want to stay. This is especially true during the spring when they are raising babies. They will protect their home base from people, pets, and other wildlife.
Their territorial actions can cause major problems. They leave strong smells, damage lawns, and create messes. If you see them defending an area, do not try to chase them away. You need our professional help to deal with the situation safely. Below, we list how these animals show their territorial habits.
Marking Scent Trails Around Your Property
When these creatures claim a yard, they want others to know it belongs to them. They use scent to mark borders. Here are a few signs to consider:
- Lingering Odours: You will notice a strong smell that never seems to go away. It is a clear warning that the animal has claimed the space. You should call us to investigate the area safely.
- Creating Scent Trails: They leave small amounts of their oily musk as they walk around. This creates an invisible trail that tells other wildlife to stay away. Our team knows exactly how to track these scented paths.
- Odor-Heavy Droppings: They also use their droppings to mark the edges of their territory. You might find these droppings near the walls of your house or garden. Always let our professionals handle the safe cleanup process.
Digging and Property Damage
A key reason these animals stay in one yard is the food supply. They will tear up your property to find insects. What is common yard damage?
- Cone-Shaped Holes: They use their long claws to dig small, round holes in your grass. You will often see them in flower beds and soft lawns. This digging means they are actively hunting in your yard.
- Rolled Back Turf: Sometimes, they will actually roll back large chunks of grass. They do this to reach the tasty grubs living in the soil beneath. It shows they view your yard as their personal dining room.
- Ransacked Garbage: If they cannot find enough bugs, they will look for other food. They will tear open trash bags and knock over your bins. Our experts can help secure your property from this wildlife.
Denning Under Structures
The most common way they show they are territorial is by building a den. They prefer dark places that feel safe from predators. These are the most popular den locations:
- Under Wood Decks: Decks offer the perfect roof to keep them dry and safe. Once they move in, they will aggressively defend the entry point. We can safely remove them without putting your family at risk.
- Below Storage Sheds: Sheds often have soft dirt around the base, making them easy to dig under. The dirt piled up outside is a clear sign of an active den. Do not approach the shed if you see this.
- Inside Crawl Spaces: If there is a broken vent, they will enter your home’s crawl space. They will treat this indoor space as their permanent territory. It is vital to call our team to resolve this issue safely.
Aggressive Warnings Before Spraying
They give clear warnings when you enter their territory. Spraying uses up energy and leaves them defenceless for days. Here are a few physical warning signs:
- Stomping Front Feet: If they feel threatened, they will stomp their front paws hard on the ground. This sounds like a fast, heavy tapping noise on the dirt. You should take this warning seriously and step back immediately.
- Hissing Sounds: Just like an angry cat, they will hiss loudly at anything that comes too close. You should never ignore this sound or walk toward it. Calling our service ensures the animal is handled carefully.
- Raising Their Tails: The final warning sign is a raised tail pointed right at you. You must slowly walk away to avoid getting hit by the thick liquid. Let us manage the removal so you stay perfectly clean.
Professional Skunk Prevention: Important Strategies
You should never try to deal with these territorial creatures on your own. Startling them will lead to an awful smell and property damage. That is where our professional wildlife team steps in. We provide safe and effective prevention to keep your property completely secure.
Our process involves finding every hidden entry point around your house. We use heavy-duty materials to seal gaps under decks, porches, and sheds. To get the animals out, we use one-way doors.
These special doors allow the wildlife to leave the den, but not re-enter. Once they walk out to find food, the door closes behind them. This method is completely safe and ensures the creatures move on to a new habitat without any direct contact.
Local Skunks in Montreal: Facts to Consider
Montreal’s unique climate plays a big role in skunk activity around the city. Winters can be harsh, so skunks often look for warm, sheltered areas to spend the colder months. During the summer, they are more active, especially in neighborhoods with easy access to food and water. The city’s mix of urban and suburban spaces provides plenty of potential hiding spots, from under porches to backyard sheds.
The architectural styles in Montreal can also attract skunks. Many homes have older foundations, decks, or crawl spaces that make great homes for wildlife. Skunks can squeeze through small holes or gaps, so it’s important to secure these areas. Local regulations require humane wildlife removal, ensuring that skunks are relocated safely without harming the animals.
Seasonal challenges like heavy snow in winter and spring flooding can create problems for both skunks and homeowners. Snow-packed yards or melting water can force skunks to look for higher ground, often leading them to residential properties. Common issues in the area include skunk dens under porches or damage to gardens and garbage bins. Addressing these problems with our professional, reliable services helps to keep homes and properties safe while protecting local wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can skunks climb fences?
No, they are very poor climbers. They prefer to dig under fences or find gaps near the ground to enter your yard.
Are they active during the day?
They are mostly active at night while searching for food. However, seeing one during the day is possible if a mother needs extra food for her babies.
Do they live alone?
Most of the year, they live alone. During the winter, several females might share a den to stay warm, but males usually stay by themselves.
What attracts them to my yard?
They are drawn to easily accessible food sources. Pet food left outside, open garbage bins, and lawns full of grubs will invite them onto your property.
Protect Your Property With Our Professional Team
Dealing with skunks around your home can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it on your own. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Montreal, we understand how stressful it can be to live with bad smells, torn-up yards, chewed wires, and the worry of a sudden wildlife encounter. That’s why we are here to make the process easy and worry-free for you. Our team knows all the safest and most effective ways to remove animals from your property, protecting both your home and the wildlife.
By choosing our professionals, you’re making the best decision for your family’s safety and your property’s value. Our humane methods ensure the animals are removed and kept out for good, without the use of harmful traps or chemicals. Acting quickly is essential, as skunks multiply and cause more damage the longer they stay. Don’t wait for the problem to grow worse.
Reach out to Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Montreal today and give yourself peace of mind. We are committed to delivering reliable service you can trust. Call us now for an estimate and take the first step toward a wildlife-free home. Together, we’ll reclaim your space and keep it safe for years to come!
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