Spring is here, and so are the skunks! Warmer weather and longer daylight hours mean these striped critters are on the move, searching for food, mates, and safe places to call home. If you’ve noticed an increase in skunk activity around your home this spring, you’re not alone. The question is, how do you handle it without risking your safety or theirs?

Managing skunk problems starts with understanding their habits and knowing how to protect your property. From preventing skunks from settling under decks or sheds to using humane methods to keep them away, there are plenty of ways to maintain wildlife home safety. 

That’s where Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Whitby can help. Our team specializes in safe and effective solutions for dealing with skunks and other wildlife. Stick around to learn about why skunks are so active in spring, how to protect your home, and how to handle unwanted visitors the humane way.

Signs That Skunks Are Living Near Your Home

You may not see a skunk right away, but there are clear signs that one might be lurking nearby. Skunks are nocturnal, so much of their activity happens at night. Look out for these clues to catch them early:

• Strong, Musky Smell: Skunks leave behind a distinct odour, even if they haven’t sprayed. If you notice this smell around your deck, shed, or yard, a skunk may already be living in the area.
• Holes in the Lawn: Skunks dig small, shallow holes in soft soil as they search for bugs like grubs. If you notice several of these in your yard, one might be spending time there.
• Tracks and Tail Marks: Look for tracks with five toes and long claw marks. These are often paired with a tail drag mark in soft dirt or mud near your property.
• Noises at Night: A skunk may have settled under your deck, shed, or porch if you hear scratching, rustling, or shuffling sounds in these areas.

If you spot any of these signs, it’s important to address the problem quickly. Ignoring it can lead to more damage to your property or the risk of a not-so-pleasant spray.

Why Skunks Are Attracted to Your Property

If you’re seeing more skunks wandering around your yard, it’s likely because your property has what they’re looking for. Skunks are always on the hunt for food and shelter, and certain features of your yard might make it the perfect spot for them to settle.

Food is one of the biggest reasons skunks stick around. If garbage bins aren’t tightly secured or if pet food is left outside, these animals will happily take advantage of the easy meal. They’re also drawn to birdseed on the ground, fallen fruit from trees, and even scraps that are left behind after outdoor meals. Removing these tempting snacks is a big step in keeping skunks out of your yard.

Shelter is another thing skunks need, especially during spring when they’re searching for a safe place to raise their babies. Areas like the space under sheds, porches, and decks provide hidden, quiet spots for them to settle. Woodpiles or brush can also double as comfy shelters for these animals.

Lastly, skunks are more likely to stick around if there’s nothing to scare them off. Without things like motion-activated lights, strong barriers, or other deterrents, your property might seem like a safe and inviting spot. Taking some simple steps to discourage them can make a big difference.

Steps to Deter Skunks From Your Property

Keeping your property secure and less appealing to skunks is key. These animals look for food and shelter in places where they feel safe. By making a few adjustments, you can encourage them to leave and not return.

Secure Your Property

Keeping skunks from settling on your property starts with a good inspection. Check areas like the space under your deck, porch, or shed. These spots are quiet and hidden, making them ideal for skunks to create a den. Look for any gaps, holes, or signs that an animal might be trying to dig in or out.

Once you’ve identified these possible entry points, it’s time to block them off. Seal open spaces with durable materials like hardware cloth or metal mesh. Ensure that the barriers are dug a few inches into the ground so skunks can’t just dig underneath. For larger spaces, adding protective barriers designed to keep animals out can prevent skunks from burrowing in.

Remove Food and Water Sources

One of the easiest ways to make your property less appealing to skunks is by cutting off their food and water supply. Start by checking your garbage bins. Make sure they are stored securely with tight-fitting lids that skunks can’t pry open. It’s also important to remove any food scraps from your yard after outdoor meals. Even a small amount of leftover food can attract animals searching for an easy snack.

Don’t forget about pet food left outside. If you feed your pets outdoors, be sure to clean up any leftover food before nightfall, when skunks are most active. Fallen fruit, nuts, and scattered birdseed can also be magnets for skunks. Regularly cleaning up your yard can go a long way in reducing the available food sources.

Skunks are also drawn to insects like grubs. Treating your lawn to control these pests can help stop skunks from digging up your yard in search of food. A well-maintained lawn keeps insect populations down and makes your yard less inviting.

Reduce Shelter Opportunities

A messy yard can be an open invitation for skunks looking for a place to settle. Start by moving any woodpiles, brush, or general yard debris away from your house. Skunks love to hide in these piles because they provide excellent cover and protection. Keeping them far from your home can make your property less appealing.

Overgrown bushes and ground cover are also worth tackling. Trim back shrubs and trees that come too close to the house, and clear away unnecessary ground cover. These can create dark, hidden areas where skunks might feel safe. Regular maintenance helps make your yard less inviting.

You’ll also want to secure spots that skunks can sneak into, like basement window wells or crawl spaces. Check for any gaps or openings, and make sure they’re properly covered or sealed with sturdy materials. A little effort here can stop skunks from turning these areas into their new home.

Deter Skunks With Safe and Humane Methods

There are humane ways to encourage skunks to leave without putting them—or you—in harm’s way. We recommend these strategies to protect your property gently.

• Motion-activated lights or sprinklers: These are a great way to scare these animals away without harming them. Sudden light or water can make the area feel unsafe to them.
• Natural deterrents: Place things like citrus peels around problem areas. Skunks dislike strong smells, and this can make your property less inviting.
• One-way doors: If an animal has already settled, using a one-way door helps them leave on their own while preventing them from coming back in.

These methods are simple but effective and work well when combined with the other steps above.

Why DIY Removal is Risky

Trying to remove a skunk on your own might seem like a quick fix, but it can actually cause more harm than good. Skunks are easily startled, and when they feel threatened, they spray a strong, lingering odour that’s hard to get rid of. That smell can stick around for weeks, making the situation worse.

There’s also a health risk to consider. Skunks can carry diseases such as rabies or leptospirosis, which can spread to humans and pets. Handling them without the right precautions can put your family’s health at risk. Plus, removing a skunk can cause it to feel stressed or act aggressively, leading to unnecessary danger for you.

If there’s a mother skunk with babies involved, things get even trickier. Separating the mother from her young can leave the babies helpless and upset the mother, making the situation even more complicated. This is something best left to experts who know how to handle it carefully.

When it comes to wildlife home safety, it’s always smarter to trust professionals to handle skunk removal. They have the tools and experience needed to resolve the problem without the risks that come with a DIY approach. Save yourself the trouble—and the smell!

Call a Professional for Humane Wildlife Removal

Skunk activity in the spring can be a common headache for homeowners, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Whitby is here to help manage skunk problems safely and effectively. Our trained experts use one-way doors to remove skunks from your property and ensure they can’t come back, all without harming the animals.

When it comes to wildlife home safety, taking quick action is key. Skunks can cause damage and spread unpleasant odours if not handled properly. Skedaddle’s methods are designed to protect your home while keeping both you and the skunks safe. You can trust our team to get the job done the right way.

Don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Contact us today to request a quote or learn more about how we can help with managing skunk problems. We’re here to make your property a safer, cleaner, and skunk-free place!