When it comes to skunks’ mating season, it usually stretches from late February through to the end of March. During the winter, skunks are less active and tend to spend much of their time in their dens. However, they do not enter a full hibernation like other animals and will den communally to help preserve body heat. Because of this, they often seek winter shelter close to houses which offer plenty of cozy and warm options at ground level. One such location is under people’s porches. If this is the case on your property, skunk removal is the only way to solve the problem.
Removing Skunks: What To Do
But, how can you tell whether or not you have skunks living underneath your porch? One way to tell for sure is the smell. If you start noticing the recognizable odor of the furry critters that seems to lingering for days and weeks at a time, a professional company that specializes in removing skunks and other wildlife may be your only option.
A skunk entry point to a den located below a deck
It is crucial to remember not to attempt to remove skunks from under your porch by yourself. Although skunks are generally not aggressive animals, they will become aggressive if they think their litter is in danger. Skunks mate at the tale end of winter as temperatures are starting to rise and give birth during late spring. If you see an adult skunk coming and going from your porch during spring or early summer it’s best to assume there is a litter of babies tucked away there.
Skunks will spray anything and anyone they perceive to be threatening to their young. That is exactly why a professional company that specializes in skunk removal services is the best way to handle this situation. Keep in mind that, in addition to porches, common places for skunk dens include:
- Steps
- Decks
- Sheds
- Floating additions
Removing Skunks: What Not To Do
Another thing to remember if you happen to encounter skunks under your porch or on your property is NEVER to provoke the animal. Before spraying, skunks give numerous warning signs, which include:
- Forward charges
- Hissing
- A raised tail
- Stamping front feet
The most typical warning sign a skunk can give off is twisting its hind end in the direction of its perceived threat. Instead of further angering or aggravating the animal, retreat and call a professional skunk removal service immediately.
A litter of skunk babies removed from a below an addition that will be reunited with their mother
If you are faced with a skunk family living under your porch, do not hesitate to contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Skedaddle’s wildlife technicians are specially trained in how to deal with skunk babies and adult skunks in a humane way. They will ensure the family doesn’t get separated or put under unnecessary amounts of stress.
The technicians remove the babies humanely by hand, as it reduces any chance of injuring them. Upon retrieval, the babies are placed inside a specially designed, heated reunion box. This box is designed to be placed near the entry point so that the momma skunk can come back and safely move her babies to an alternate den. The final step is to dig around the perimeter of the porch and bury heavy duty screening in the ground that acts as a barrier and prevents skunks from re-entering.
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