Skunks

How do I know whether I may have a skunk problem?

Frequent skunk sightings at dusk and dawn together with lawns dug up (Skunks are in search of insect larvae and grubs) and/or tunneling leading under a porch, shed or other structure may indicate the presence of skunks.

What should I do if I have a skunk problem?

To help minimize conflicts with skunks make your property unattractive to them by following some of the suggestions below. Frequently skunks get trapped in window-wells. Since they are notoriously poor climbers you can help them escape by placing a 6″ wide plank in the window well, providing a gradual slope to permit the skunk to use it as a ramp to escape. If the problem persists for 24 hours, or if assistance is required with other skunk problems, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator, animal control center, humane society or a humane wildlife control company to discuss humane solutions.

What can I do to make my property unattractive to skunks?

Animal proof your property, which includes:

  • Making garbage and composting inaccessible to animals.
  • Only putting garbage out for pick-up on the morning of the collection day.
  • Not leaving pet-food out at night.
  • Securing the perimeter of sheds, porches, decks, etc. by digging a 30cm to 40cm deep trench around the perimeter of such structures and installing a wire screen (16 ga. galvanized wire mesh , size 1” x 1”, shaped in an “L”, placed flush around each structure so that the toe of the “L” points outward) and back-filling the trench. An opening at the point of entry should be left and only closed when all animals have left, usually between July and November.
  • Covering window-wells.
  • Applying environmentally-friendly nematodes to your lawn to control grubs (contact your local garden centre).

More Information

For more information about Skunks, please Download the Brochure.