Skunks are some of the most misunderstood animals in Ottawa. Many of us know about their stinky defence mechanism, but do we really understand it? If you’ve ever wondered how often skunks spray or why they rely on this smelly tactic, you’re in the right place. 

This blog will explore skunk spray frequency, what triggers them to spray, and how our team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Ottawa handles skunk problems effectively and humanely.

Now, to get right to the important question – how often do skunks spray? The answer depends on a few factors, like how threatened they feel. Skunks don’t spray all the time; in fact, they don’t want to. 

It takes a lot of energy for them to release their potent spray, and it’s their last line of defence. A skunk may only spray once every few days, or even less often, depending on the situation. Their spray glands can run out of fluid, and it takes time for these glands to refill. This means these animals are careful about when and how often they use this smelly option.

For Ottawa homeowners, understanding skunk spray frequency is key to avoiding this smelly nuisance and knowing when to call for professional wildlife control services. 

Skunks don’t want trouble, and neither do we—but sometimes, their defensive behaviour brings unwelcome challenges, especially when they choose to burrow under your deck or shed. 

Let’s learn more about skunks, their spraying habits, and what you can do to protect your property in Ottawa.

What Triggers a Skunk to Spray?

Skunks are not aggressive animals. They don’t attack or spray without a reason. Instead, their spray is their ultimate defence when they feel cornered or extremely threatened. Think of it as a last resort to escape danger.

Here are the main reasons these animals spray:

• Feeling Threatened: Dogs, humans, or other animals that get too close might scare a skunk into spraying. They prefer to give warning signs like stamping their feet or raising their tail first.
• Protecting Young: Mother skunks are extra cautious and might spray if they think their babies are in danger.
• Fighting with Animals: Skunks will spray if they’re attacked by predators or if they are in fights with other animals over food or territory.

The good news is that skunks don’t spray for no reason. By keeping your distance and securing your property, you can reduce the chances of getting on the receiving end of their stinky defence.

How Skunks Spray

Skunks spray using two small glands located near their tail. These glands produce a liquid that contains sulphur compounds, which are responsible for that notorious stink. A skunk’s spray can travel up to 4-6 metres, making it a strong and effective defence. Because it’s an energy-intensive process, these animals are very selective about their spray frequency. They’ll avoid using it unless absolutely necessary.

After spraying, it takes time for a skunk’s glands to refill. This is why they don’t spray constantly or repeatedly in a short period. On average, a skunk might only spray a handful of times in a week, and even that is uncommon.

Why Do Skunks Hide Around Homes?

Ottawa’s skunk population is naturally attracted to neighbourhoods for several reasons:

• Easy Food Access: Bird feeders, pet food, and garbage are prime targets for skunks.
• Warm Shelter: Decks, sheds, and crawl spaces make ideal dens for skunks, especially during colder months.
• Safety from Predators: Urban areas offer cover from natural predators like coyotes.

If your Ottawa property has signs of skunk activity, it’s important to act quickly. These animals may be harmless most of the time, but their spray can cause a horrible smell and irritation to humans and pets. Professional wildlife control ensures that skunks are safely encouraged to move on without putting them or your family at risk.

Signs You May Have Skunks on Your Property

Skunks are nocturnal, so you may not see them during the day, but there are still clues they might leave behind:

• Holes in the Yard: Skunks dig for grubs and insects, leaving small, cone-shaped holes.
• Tracks and Tail Marks: You might notice footprints or trails left in the dirt.
• Smell: Even if they haven’t sprayed, skunks carry a bit of a musky odour.
• Burrows: Look for holes around your deck, porch, or shed, which could be a skunk den.

Why Professional Ottawa Skunk Control is Essential

Dealing with skunks on your own can lead to some messy problems. Not only is there a risk of getting sprayed, but improper removal methods can harm the animals and even make the problem worse. That’s where we come in.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, our team uses a safe and humane approach to deal with skunk problems. We install one-way doors that allow these animals to exit but prevent them from coming back. This ensures they’re gone for good, without the need for harmful traps or unsafe techniques.

Our methods also focus on prevention. We help Ottawa homeowners seal off potential entry points so skunks and other wildlife can’t find shelter on your property in the future.

Why You Should Avoid Skunk Spray at All Costs

If you’ve never been sprayed by a skunk, count yourself lucky. Skunk spray is more than just stinky; it sticks to fur, clothing, and skin and can be incredibly hard to remove. For pets, it often leads to a stressful bath marathon, and for humans, it sometimes causes irritation or nausea.

Here’s what makes skunk spray particularly unpleasant:

• Smell: It’s not called one of nature’s worst smells for nothing. The sulphur-based chemicals can linger for weeks if not cleaned properly.
• Staining: Light-coloured clothing or fur can retain a yellowish stain from the spray.
• Health Effects: Close-range exposure to skunk spray can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.

Avoiding skunk spray is yet another reason to trust our team at Skedaddle with your wildlife control needs. The safest and smartest solution is letting professionals handle the situation.

Tips to Prevent Skunks on Your Ottawa Property

Prevention is key to keeping skunks away without running into issues with their spray. Here are a few practical pointers:

• Secure garbage bins with tight-fitting lids to avoid attracting skunks looking for food.
• Install fencing around gardens and compost piles.
• Seal off entry points like gaps under decks or sheds.
• Remove attractants like pet food or bird seed from outdoor areas, especially at night.

When prevention isn’t enough, it’s time to call in Ottawa skunk control experts like us at Skedaddle.

Take the Stress Out of Skunk Problems

Living alongside wildlife is part of life in Ottawa, but that doesn’t mean sharing your space with skunks. Keeping their spray frequency low and avoiding unpleasant encounters is easier when you know the facts and take the right steps to protect your property. And when you need extra help, trust our expertise.

When you notice signs of skunks around your Ottawa home, don’t wait to take action. Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control today for reliable Ottawa skunk control. You can count on our one-way door system and preventative measures to solve the problem humanely and effectively. Request an estimate now, and we’ll take care of the rest!