If you’ve spotted a skunk burrowing under your shed, it’s important to take action quickly. While skunks are generally harmless, their burrowing habits can create all sorts of problems, from structural damage to unpleasant smells. 

Plus, if they’ve already settled in, there’s a good chance they’re planning to stay for a while. The good news is that skunk under your shed removal doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach, you can protect your property and keep these furry diggers from returning. 

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Whitehall, we specialize in helping homeowners manage and prevent skunk-related problems. By understanding how to handle skunks and taking steps to prevent skunks from burrowing under your shed, you can keep your outdoor spaces safe and wildlife-free. 

Here’s what you need to know.

First Things First – Assess the Situation

Seeing a skunk near your shed could mean they’re just passing through, but it’s worth investigating further. Look for telltale signs of a den, such as:

• Fresh dirt mounds or holes around the base of your shed
• Tracks in the surrounding soil
• A faint musky odor
• Scratching or rustling sounds, particularly at night

If these signs point to a skunk currently calling your shed home, it’s time to act. The steps you take now can make a big difference in how quickly and effectively the problem is resolved.

How to Handle Skunks Safely

Approaching a skunk without caution can lead to some less-than-pleasant results. Skunks are known for their defensive spray, which they release when they feel threatened. To reduce the risk of this sticky situation:

• Keep Your Distance: Never try to confront or corner a skunk. Give them space and observe from afar.
• Identify Active Times: Skunks are nocturnal, so they’re most active at night. Plan any action for times when they’re likely away from the den.
• Avoid Trapping or Relocation: Skunks are territorial animals. Attempting to trap or relocate them can cause needless stress to them and may even be against local laws.

Instead, rely on humane and effective solutions like one-way doors, which we’ll explain in more detail below.

Steps to Remove a Skunk Under Your Shed

Effective skunk under your shed removal requires a safe and thoughtful approach. Here’s how to deal with the issue:

Install a One-Way Door

One of the most effective ways to remove skunks is to use a one-way door. These devices allow skunks to exit the den but block them from getting back in. Skedaddle specializes in installing these doors to ensure the process is humane and stress-free for both you and the skunks.

• How It Works: Once the skunk leaves to forage, they’ll find the door prevents re-entry, encouraging them to move on to another, safer location.
• Why It’s Humane: One-way doors prevent trapping or harming the skunk. They simply guide the animal to find a new home elsewhere.

Wait and Observe

It’s crucial to make sure all skunks have left the burrow before sealing it off completely. They may have young babies tucked away in the den, so give them enough time for safe removal. Our wildlife control professionals know how to ensure all animals are properly out before finishing the job.

Seal the Entry Point

After confirming the skunks are gone, seal off the burrow to prevent any return guests. Skunks are excellent diggers, so you’ll want to:

• Use heavy-duty materials like steel mesh
• Bury the mesh at least 12 inches deep
• Bend the base of the mesh outward to form an “L” shape, which deters future digging

Clean Up the Area

Once the burrow is sealed, clean the area thoroughly to remove any remaining odors or skunk traces. This step will reduce the chance of attracting new wildlife to the same spot.

How to Prevent Skunks from Burrowing

Taking steps now to prevent skunks from burrowing is much easier than dealing with them later. Follow these practical tips to make your shed area less appealing to wildlife:

Eliminate Attractants

Skunks are always on the lookout for easy meals, so removing anything that might attract them is a key step in keeping them away. Start by securing your trash cans. They’re scavengers and will dig through garbage if they can get to it. Use animal-proof trash bins with tight-fitting lids to keep them out. 

If you feed your pets outside, make sure to bring their food and water bowls inside every evening. Leftover pet food can be a big draw for skunks. Additionally, clean up any fallen fruit, nuts, or vegetable scraps from your garden. These food sources can easily lure skunks to your property.

Maintain Your Shed and Yard

A well-maintained yard and shed can make a big difference in preventing skunks from settling in. Regularly inspect the perimeter of your shed for cracks or holes, and seal any gaps you find. This will block potential entry points. Installing protective barriers, like heavy-duty mesh, around the base of your shed can also discourage skunks from digging underneath. 

Finally, keep your lawn tidy by trimming tall grass, removing brush piles, and clearing away clutter. Skunks like to hide in overgrown or messy areas, so a clean yard is less inviting to them.

Use Skunk Deterrents

Keeping skunks away from your shed can be easier with the right tools and tricks. Motion-activated sprinklers are a great way to scare off skunks during the night. These sprinklers spray water when they detect movement, surprising the skunks and encouraging them to leave. 

Similarly, motion-activated lights and sound devices can startle skunks by flashing bright lights or playing sudden noises. Since skunks are nocturnal and prefer quiet, dark spaces, these deterrents make your yard less inviting.

You can also use natural deterrents to keep skunks away. Soaking rags in ammonia or vinegar and placing them around your shed can create smells that skunks dislike. These strong odors make the area less appealing and encourage skunks to find a new place to burrow. By combining these methods, you can protect your shed and yard from unwanted skunk visitors.

Why Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Whitehall Is Your Best Choice

At Skedaddle, we understand how important it is to remove skunks safely and keep them from coming back. Our proven tactics, like installing one-way doors and sealing entry points, ensure long-lasting results without harming the animals. Here’s why you can trust us:

• Experience You Can Count On: We’ve been helping homeowners manage wildlife issues for decades.
• Humane Practices: From start to finish, we prioritize the well-being of the animals involved.
• Custom Solutions: Each home is unique, and we design our strategies to fit your specific needs.

Protect Your Home Today

Don’t wait until a skunk infestation turns into a bigger problem. Skunks burrowing under your shed can lead to structural damage, unpleasant odors, and even health risks. Taking swift action is the best way to protect your property and prevent skunks from burrowing in the future. If you’re unsure how to handle skunks or need professional assistance, our team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Whitehall is here to help.

We specialize in humane skunk under your shed removal, using proven methods like one-way doors to ensure the animals leave safely and don’t return. Our experts also provide advice and solutions to prevent skunks from burrowing again, giving you long-term peace of mind. 

Request an estimate today and let us help you reclaim your outdoor spaces. With Skedaddle, you can trust that your shed and property are in safe hands!