Skunks usually develop into an issue after they construct their winter dens in mid to late autumn. Although they don’t hibernate, skunks do decelerate and enter a state of torpor. Skunks will keep within the shelter for lengthy durations and sometimes emerge to search out meals.

These dens are often beneath woodpiles, decks, or sheds, the place the skunk is protected against the climate. In some circumstances, a bunch of skunks share a single winter den. Skunks will start to emerge from their dens round late February and early March; that is when they are going to start to breed. The kits are often born from late Might to early June, and there might be wherever from 2 to 12 kits in a single litter.

The females and kits will proceed to make use of the den till they develop into extra unbiased, round two and a half months after delivery. A skunk with a den in your property not solely implies that it could possibly be dwelling proper beneath your porch however that it will likely be spending lots of time hanging round in search of meals. Skunks are pure diggers and can rip up huge parts of grass lawns whereas in search of meals within the floor.

Nevertheless, the most typical motive skunks are an issue is due to the scent.

Skunks spray not solely when they’re startled but additionally to mark their territory. Their thick, oily musk is difficult to scrub off each buildings and pets. The odour tends to linger for days, even when it’s exterior. If sprayed from too shut, it’s also irritating and causes burning within the eyes.

Lastly, skunks carry ailments and parasites. They’re one of many main carriers of rabies and in addition transmit canine parvovirus and leptospirosis, all of which might be very harmful to people and pets.

MOST COMMON SCENARIOS AND COMPLAINTS:

Skunks beneath Sheds and Decks

We mostly see skunks burrowing beneath sheds and elevated picket buildings. As a result of most sheds and decks haven’t got completely sealed flooring, all of the skunk has to do is dig beneath the construction’s wall, and they’re granted entry to the protected and enclosed house. Although not as damaging as another widespread shed inhabitants, skunks can actually do lots of injury.

Skunks beneath Concrete Pads

We additionally usually see skunks burrowing beneath concrete pads, equivalent to concrete porches, slab driveways, and bases for small buildings like firewood sheds. Skunks like these locations due to their seclusion: the concrete high and the truth that few different animals are as adept at digging give them a protected house to lift their kits. This may be detrimental to the property. If the concrete pad is weight-bearing, a large gap dug beneath may cause structural damages that make it unsafe.

Skunks in city centres like Toronto and Mississauga and surrounding areas create issues by spraying your private home or canine or ripping up your garden and backyard. Extra rural communities could discover their fruit and vegetable gardens robbed and small poultry attacked and/or killed. We frequently obtain emails and telephone calls from individuals who want our assist to:

Maintain skunks away from the yard;

Do away with skunks from their yards;

Maintain skunks away from properties;

Determine what repels skunks;

Entice and take away skunks from beneath decks and porches;

Cease skunks from digging of their garden;

Present concepts for skunk repellent or skunk deterrent.

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