How To Get Rid Of Skunks Under Porch

Heading 1: How to Get Rid of Skunks Under Your Deck, Shed, Porch, and House

Skunks are known for their distinct black and white appearance and the foul smell they emit. While they have their benefits in the wild, having them close to our homes can cause discomfort and even be dangerous. Skunks can carry diseases, and their spray can cause skin irritation and even temporary blindness. If you suspect a skunk has taken up residence under your deck, shed, porch, or house, it’s important to take action before the problem gets worse. In this article, we will go over some tips on how to get rid of skunks under your property.

Heading 2: Signs that a Skunk Has Taken up Residence

If you suspect a skunk has taken up residence under your property, it’s important to confirm before taking any action. Some signs that a skunk has moved in include damage to your property, skunk tracks, and the distinct scent of skunk spray. You might also observe the skunk coming in and out of its burrow or den.

Heading 3: Understanding Skunk Behavior

Before attempting to get rid of skunks under your property, it’s important to understand their behavior. Skunks are nocturnal animals, which means they are active at night. They are also relatively territorial and are not fond of sharing their space with other animals, including humans.

Heading 4: Prevention Tips

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping skunks away from your property. Some tips to keep in mind include securing your garbage cans, removing any potential food sources, and sealing or repairing any potential entry points. It’s important to note, however, that prevention methods alone may not always be enough to keep skunks away.

Heading 5: Identifying the Best Time to Take Action

If you’ve taken preventative measures but still have a skunk under your property, the next step is to figure out the best time to take action. The ideal time to remove a skunk is during the winter months, when they are less active and are more likely to be hibernating. It’s also best to wait for a dry day, as the skunk’s scent will be less pungent.

Heading 6: Contacting a Professional

If you feel uncomfortable attempting to remove a skunk yourself, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal service. They have the tools, knowledge, and experience to remove skunks safely and effectively.

Heading 7: DIY Skunk Removal

If you prefer a DIY approach, there are several methods you can try to remove skunks from your property. One popular method involves using a skunk trap. Skunk traps can be purchased at most hardware stores and are designed to catch the skunk without harming it. Once you have caught the skunk, it’s important to release it at least five miles away from your property to prevent it from returning.

Heading 8: Baiting the Trap

If you decide to use a trap, it’s important to bait it properly. Skunks are attracted to certain types of foods, including cat food, canned fish, and peanut butter. Be sure to place the bait in the back of the trap to encourage the skunk to enter.

Heading 9: Covering the Trap

Once you have baited the trap, it’s important to cover it with a blanket or tarp to make it more inviting to the skunk. This will also help to keep the skunk calm and minimize any stress.

Heading 10: Transporting the Skunk

Once you have caught the skunk, it’s important to transport it at least five miles away from your property before releasing it. It’s also important to release it during the day when it’s less likely to encounter predators.

Heading 11: Using Repellents

Another method to try is using repellents. Some natural repellents that have shown to be effective include cayenne pepper, citrus peels, and ammonia. You can also purchase commercial repellents from most hardware stores.

Heading 12: Sealing Entry Points

Once you have removed the skunk, it’s important to seal or repair any entry points to prevent them from returning. This may involve filling in any holes or gaps in your property’s foundation, screening vents, and securing crawl space doors.

Heading 13: Safety Precautions

It’s important to practice safety precautions when dealing with skunks. It’s best to wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid coming into contact with the skunk’s spray. If you do get sprayed, it’s important to wash your skin and clothing immediately with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap.

Heading 14: Common Myths About Skunks

There are several common myths about skunks that are not true. One of these myths is that skunks spray constantly, when in reality, they only spray as a defense mechanism. Another myth is that tomato juice can remove the smell of skunk spray, when in reality, it only masks the odor temporarily.

Heading 15: Skunk Diet

Skunks are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Some of their primary food sources include insects, grubs, small rodents, fruits, and vegetables.

Heading 16: Skunk’s Scent Glands

The skunk’s scent glands are located at the base of their tail. When a skunk feels threatened, it will raise its tail and release a foul-smelling spray as a defense mechanism. The spray can travel up to 10 feet and can cause skin irritation, temporary blindness, and breathing problems.

Heading 17: Immobilizing a Skunk

If you need to immobilize a skunk for transport, one method is to cover it with a blanket or tarp and carefully pick it up. It’s important to avoid touching the skunk’s tail or hind legs, as this can trigger its scent glands.

Heading 18: Skunks and Rabies

While skunks can carry rabies, the chances of contracting the disease from a skunk are relatively low. If you suspect that a skunk or any other wild animal has rabies, it’s important to contact animal control immediately.

Heading 19: Skunk Spray Removal

If you or your pet has been sprayed by a skunk, there are several methods to remove the odor. One effective method is to mix 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1-2 teaspoons of dish soap. Apply the mixture to the affected area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. It’s important to avoid getting the mixture in your eyes or mouth.

Heading 20: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will prevention methods alone keep skunks away from my property?

A: While prevention methods are helpful, they may not always be enough to keep skunks away.

Q: Can skunks climb?

A: Skunks are able to climb, but they prefer to stay on the ground.

Q: How far should I release a skunk when I trap it?

A: It’s best to release the skunk at least five miles away from your property.

Kesimpulan:

In conclusion, having skunks under your deck, shed, porch, or house can be a smelly and potentially dangerous problem. It’s important to take action to remove them before the problem gets worse. Some methods to try include using a trap, using repellents, and sealing entry points. It’s also important to practice safety precautions when dealing with skunks and to contact a professional wildlife removal service if needed. Remember to always release skunks at least five miles away from your property to prevent them from returning. By following these tips, you can safely and effectively get rid of skunks under your property.