If you’ve noticed the telltale signs of skunks around your property in Toronto, such as a strong, lingering odour or shallow holes in your lawn, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face this challenge. To address why skunks visit properties, we need to understand what attracts them and how to implement effective skunk attraction prevention strategies. There are generally a few reasons why skunks may be drawn to your property, including accessible food sources and convenient shelter options. 

Below, we’ll explore in more depth what draws these animals to residential areas and provide actionable steps to help keep skunks off your property.

Why Skunks Visit Properties

Skunks are resourceful and opportunistic creatures that gravitate toward areas where food, shelter, and water are easily accessible. Toronto, with its abundance of green spaces like High Park, offers the perfect habitat for skunks. However, when natural resources run low, they often venture into residential neighbourhoods. Here’s what commonly attracts them:

Easily Accessible Food Sources: Skunks are omnivores, meaning they will eat a wide range of foods. Garbage bins with loose lids, pet food left outdoors, compost piles, and birdseed dropped from feeders all provide a buffet for skunks. Overwatered lawns can also attract grubs, a favourite snack for skunks.

Convenient Shelter Options: Skunks seek out sheltered areas to burrow and create dens. Typical spots include underneath decks, porches, sheds, and crawl spaces. These locations provide safety from predators and weather elements, making them ideal nesting sites.

Water Availability: Like all wildlife, skunks require water to survive. Ponds, fountains, or even leaky outdoor faucets can serve as tempting water sources for them.

Vegetable Gardens and Plants: If you’re an avid gardener, you might inadvertently invite skunks to your property. Ripening vegetables, fallen fruits, and flower bulbs are easy pickings for them.

Understanding these common attractants can help you take preventive measures to deter skunks from settling on your property.

Skunk Attraction Prevention

Preventing skunks starts with limiting their access to the essentials they’re looking for. By taking proactive steps, you can make your property less inviting for them. Here are some practical strategies:

1. Secure Your Garbage and Compost  

Garbage bins are one of the most common attractants for skunks. Ensure lids are tightly secured and consider using garbage bins with locking mechanisms. For compost piles, use bins with enclosed designs that prevent wildlife access.

2. Remove Outdoor Food Sources  

Feed pets indoors or remove dishes after they’ve eaten. Clean under bird feeders regularly to reduce scattered seeds, and store birdseed in airtight containers. Additionally, avoid leaving food scraps or waste in your yard.

3. Protect Your Garden  

Use garden fencing to keep skunks away from vegetable beds and flower bulbs. You can also place chicken wire under the soil of your garden to block skunks from digging. 

4. Install Barriers Around Structures  

To prevent skunks from burrowing under decks, porches, or sheds, install an L-shaped barrier made of heavy gauge steel mesh. This involves burying the mesh about 8–12 inches deep and extending it outward to deter digging.

5. Eliminate Water Sources  

Fix leaky outdoor faucets and remove standing water in your yard. If you have a pond or fountain, consider fencing it off or using a cover at night.

6. Use Motion-Activated Deterrents  

Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can startle skunks, keeping them away from your yard. These deterrents work well for driveways, gardens, and garbage storage areas.

By proactively addressing these attractants, you’ll significantly reduce the likelihood of skunks being drawn to your property.

Keep Skunks Off Your Property for the Long Term

Successfully keeping skunks away requires consistent effort. While the preventive tips mentioned above form an excellent starting point, regular maintenance is equally critical. Here are some additional insights for maintaining a skunk-free property in the long term:

Regular Property Inspections  

Periodically check your property for potential entry points or signs of skunk activity. Look for holes near structures or piles of displaced dirt around sheds and decks.

Seasonal Cleanup Tasks  

Different seasons bring different challenges. For example:

• Spring: Skunks awaken from winter dens and start looking for food and nesting sites. Remove yard debris and secure potential hiding areas.
• Fall: Prevent skunks from hibernating on your property by sealing off burrows and covering crawl spaces.

Address Grub Infestations in Lawns  

If skunks are digging up your lawn, it’s often a sign of a grub infestation. Treat your lawn with natural grub control solutions, such as nematodes, to reduce this food source.

Deodorize Areas of Previous Skunk Activity  

Skunks often return to areas marked by their own scent. Use appropriate deodorizing solutions to neutralize odours and prevent them from coming back.

If you’re dealing with a persistent skunk issue, professional wildlife control services can assess the problem and implement effective long-term solutions for your property.

Why Skunk Prevention Matters

Beyond the inconvenience of unpleasant odours and property damage, deterring skunks also plays an essential role in fostering harmonious urban wildlife interaction. By ensuring your property is secure and unattractive to skunks, you’re taking a humane approach to coexist with local wildlife without encouraging unwanted encounters.

At Skedaddle, we understand how to balance effective skunk prevention with respect for these animals’ role in the ecosystem. While you focus on enjoying everything Toronto has to offer, like a day at the Toronto Islands or a concert at Massey Hall, we’re here to provide expertise in keeping your home safe and skunk-free.

Why Choose Skedaddle for Skunk Removal Services?

When it comes to skunk removal, Skedaddle is the trusted choice for homeowners across Toronto and beyond. With over three decades of experience in humane wildlife control, we have developed proven methods that prioritize both the safety of your home and respect for the animals. Our team of professionals is extensively trained to handle each situation with care, ensuring the removal process causes no harm to the skunks or disruption to your property.

• Comprehensive approach to skunk removal  
• Identify and address factors that attract skunks  
• Seal entry points and install durable, animal-proof barriers  
• Provide expert prevention advice to avoid future issues  
• Eco-friendly, humane methods compliant with wildlife regulations

Additionally, our customer-first approach ensures that you remain informed throughout the process. We provide detailed assessments so you understand the situation and how we intend to resolve it. At Skedaddle, we are committed to delivering reliable, effective, and compassionate services to help protect your home while promoting coexistence with wildlife. With our expertise, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your property is in the best hands.

Protect Your Property Today

Don’t wait for skunk issues to escalate. Taking action now can save you time, money, and stress later. From proactive advice to professional assistance, we’ve got you covered. Contact us at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Toronto to guarantee a safe and odour-free property for years to come!