Mistakes Everyone Makes When Dealing With Skunk Pest Removal

There's no other way to put it. Having a skunk on your property absolutely stinks. Unlike the cartoon skunks that made us laugh in childhood, spotting one of the striped creatures sneaking through your lawn is a loathsome sight. Repelling skunks from your garden can be a real hassle, but few things are worse than encountering a frightened skunk who decides to spray you or your patio furniture. According to Andrew Wheelock — a humane wildlife control expert and owner of franchises for Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control and Truly Nolen in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada  — ignoring an initial sighting, delaying action, and underestimating the complexity of removing them are mistakes everyone makes when dealing with skunk pest removal.

"When skunks make their home on your property, it can quickly become an unsafe and uncomfortable situation," Wheelock told House Digest during his exclusive interview. He explained that the animals can be very determined when burrowing below decks, porches, and sheds. "During their stay, skunks may spray unsuspecting pets or family members, leaving behind a lingering smell that can seep into your home and hang around for weeks," the expert explained. 

The longer you wait to remove a skunk, the more challenging the process becomes. If you spot one, call a pest control expert immediately. "A skunk that establishes its territory in your yard is more likely to stick around and potentially set up a den," Wheelock cautioned. He said removal specialists understand skunk behavior and biology, explaining, "Their experience enables them to conduct comprehensive inspections, identify entry points, and create a tailored removal and exclusion plan."

There are some simple ways to get unwanted skunks out of your yard. Discouraging the nocturnal creatures with bright outdoor lighting and motion-activated sprinklers may encourage them to take up residence elsewhere. You should also make sure there are no readily available food sources, like unsecured garbage cans, low-lying bird feeders, or leftovers near the grill. 

"Prevention is the key," skunk control expert Andrew Wheelock told House Digest during his exclusive interview. In the unfortunate event that a family of skunks does decide to move into your yard, having professionals remove them is safer than trying to do it yourself. It's not just that the animals are likely to spray you with their telltale scent when provoked. Skunks harbor diseases like rabies, and they may become aggressive when disturbed. According to Wheelock, this is especially the case if baby skunks are present. "The only way to remove them from below a deck, shed or porch is by hand, and they are often hidden in hard-to-reach areas under the structure," he said. "Mother skunks are extremely defensive and are prone to spray if threatened during removal." 

Pest control technicians can use thermal imaging cameras to locate baby skunks, and they will reunite them with their mother before the family is relocated together. "The longer skunks are left under a structure, the more likely it is that they will spray," Wheelock told us. "In close proximity and with the chance to leach into building materials, it can get pretty unpleasant for homeowners."

Along with humanely removing skunks, professional pest control experts will fortify your home and yard against a repeat problem with the installation of a permanent barrier in the ground. "Skunks are surprisingly adept at finding their way back to a spot they consider home," Andrew Wheelock explained during his exclusive interview with House Digest. "... Ensuring skunks can't dig back in means burying a heavy gauge steel mesh into the ground and digging up hundreds of pounds of soil." Sealing off entry points to prevent future access is also important. The process can be backbreaking work, especially if you don't have the right equipment.

So, what should you do if you haven't seen a skunk but you recognize their scent near your home? Some people suggest keeping skunks out of your yard with a bar of soap. Others say Pine-Sol can work as a deterrent when diluted and sprayed on your deck, shed, or wood piles. But both of these are temporary solutions that may or may not work. 

"Skunks are a complicated pest to deal with due to the impact they can have on you and your property," Wheelock said. He told us emphatically that the best course of action is to always consult a professional pest removal expert for help.