Skunks Under Decks
When wildlife enters our living spaces, it can cause a great many problems. Take, for example, the case of Mary from Pittsford, VT; she awoke one morning to find an unwelcome guest had taken up residence underneath her deck: a skunk. This is an increasingly common problem — and one that requires action if you want to reclaim your outdoor space for yourself.
As a rodent expert with years of experience in helping people get rid of unwanted pests like skunks, I’ve developed simple strategies which have proven successful time and time again. In this article, I’ll be sharing my knowledge on how best to go about getting rid of those pesky critters under your deck so that you don’t end up suffering the same fate as poor old Mary.
By focusing on prevention techniques such as making sure food sources are removed and entry points sealed off, we can effectively deter skunks from taking up residence beneath our decks without having to resort to dangerous chemicals or traps. With these tips in hand, you’ll soon be able to reclaim your outdoor area safely and humanely — no matter where in the world you live.
How to Identify Skunks
Identifying skunks is not as difficult as one might think. Skunks are medium-sized mammals that can be easily identified by their distinctive black and white fur pattern. They usually have a bushy tail and small ears but can often look larger than they actually are due to the length of their fur.
The presence of skunks living beneath your wood deck may become apparent when you start noticing an unpleasant odor in the area or hearing rustling noises coming from underneath. If you suspect there may be skunks living under your deck, take some time to observe them during dusk or dawn hours when they’re most active.
Reasons For Skunks To Seek Shelter Under A Deck
Picture a dusky evening, the sun slowly setting on the horizon. The crisp air carries with it the smell of damp soil and rotting tree bark – a comforting aroma to us humans but one that skunks can take advantage of too. Skunks are nocturnal creatures who love taking shelter under decks due to their proximity to food sources such as garbage bins, pet dishes, or bird feeders; they also benefit from the shade and protection provided by these structures.
Additionally, when hiding in tight spaces like underneath a deck, they feel secure and safe from potential predators. Finally, many homeowners unwittingly provide extra incentives for skunks to stay put near their property by leaving out water sources (in buckets or other containers), which makes them comfortable and allows them to remain close by in pursuit of their next meal.
With this knowledge about why skunks might seek refuge under your deck, you’re now ready to learn how to deter them from settling there permanently.
Deterring Skunks From Settling Under A Deck
Skunks have a tendency to settle under decks and porches, causing considerable problems for homeowners. Fortunately, there are certain steps you can take to deter these pesky critters from settling in this area of your property.
Start by removing any debris or clutter that has accumulated underneath the deck; skunks like dark, secluded areas where they feel safe and secure. Trim back any vegetation around the perimeter as well; thick shrubbery provides an ideal hiding place for them.
Another way to discourage skunks is to make loud noises when you’re outside near the deck. This will scare them away, making it less likely that they’ll return later on. You could also try sprinkling predator urine around the edge of your deck; foxes and coyotes prey on skunks, so their scent should help keep them out of the area. Lastly, install some lighting beneath your deck if possible; skunks prefer darkness and won’t want to stick around once light starts shining through.
American Heritage Industries 16 oz Coyote Urine
American Heritage Industries Coyote Urine
Coyote Urine
- Pure coyote urine
- Predator pee is a great way to keep animals away from your yard or garden; Deep, skunks, rabbits, and other smaller critters will stay away from any area that has been sprayed with pee from a predator.
- Quality guaranteed
These simple deterrents should be enough to prevent skunks from taking up residence under your porch or deck. Moving forward, let’s discuss approaches to removing skunks safely and humanely if they’ve already made themselves at home there.
Approaches To Removing Skunks
Once you have successfully deterred skunks from settling under your deck, the next step is to approach removing them. Two main approaches can be taken when it comes to dealing with pesky skunks:
- trapping
- releasing the animal humanely or attempting exclusion techniques.
Trapping a skunk requires setting up one-way doors or cage traps in areas where they have been seen lurking around your property. To ensure an efficient catch, use bait such as canned fish, cooked meat, sardines, tuna, or cat food as an attractant.
Once caught and contained inside the trap, relocate the animal at least five miles away from its original location so that it does not return back to your home. It is important to take precautionary measures when trapping and relocating any wild animals; wear protective clothing and gloves while handling the trapped animal and place a towel over its head before transporting it out of sight from other people or pets nearby.
Alternatively, exclusion techniques involve the same steps you would take for a Possum –
- sealing off all potential entrances beneath your deck with metal sheeting or hardware cloth materials for prevention against future invasions.
- Block off access points such as openings near foundations, vents underneath decks, or small holes along walls leading into crawl spaces.
- Make sure to repair broken boards surrounding your deck area and secure door lids on trash cans tightly shut tight if located close by too.
Take these steps seriously – once you’ve sealed off entryways completely, then there will be no more uninvited guests lingering about!
Trapping And Releasing The Animal Humanely
Trapping and releasing skunks is a great way to get them out of your property. Skunks can be trapped in either a live cage trap or with snares. Live cages should be placed near the entrance to their den, while snare traps are best used when you have seen the animal actively moving around on your property.
Regardless of which type of trap is used, always make sure it’s lined with newspaper or hay so that the skunk has something comfortable to rest on during its capture! Once the skunk is caught, you must release it at least five miles away from your home; this will ensure that it does not return. Remember to wear gloves when handling the trap, as skunks do carry rabies and other diseases.
Animal Trapping Cage
Safetrap Animal Trapping Cage
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Releasing them humanely ensures they will survive without harm in their new environment. To ensure the safety of both yourself and the skunk being relocated, never attempt to handle one by hand. With these precautions taken, trapping and releasing skunks is an effective method for removing them from your property. Now let’s talk about some home remedies that can repel future visits from these animals.
Home Remedies To Repel Skunks
It’s estimated that over 1.5 million skunks are living in North America, and they can be a nuisance to homeowners if they take up residence under the deck or porch. Fortunately, there are several home remedies – including chemical repellents – that can help get rid of these pests without having to resort to trapping and releasing them. As an experienced rodent expert, I’m here to guide you through some of the most effective ways to repel skunks from your property.
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure your protective barriers, such as fencing or lattice walls, are secure enough so that skunks cannot enter again. If possible, add a few additional layers for extra security against future wildlife intrusions. You may also find it helpful to sprinkle certain powders around the perimeter of your home – cayenne pepper powder, coffee grounds, or even crushed red pepper flakes all have great properties when it comes to discouraging animals like skunks from entering the area.
Another option involves soaking cotton balls in white vinegar and placing them in strategic spots near where you think the animal might be trying to gain access; this will deter any potential snouts away from digging their way into your yard.
These techniques should help keep unwelcome visitors out of your space while providing peace of mind knowing that no harm was done in getting rid of them. However, once they’re gone, it’s important not to forget about cleaning up after the animal as well!
Cleaning Up After The Animal
Once the skunks have been removed from under your deck, it’s important to clean up any mess they may have left behind. As a rodent expert, I recommend wearing gloves when cleaning and disposing of their droppings or nesting materials. This will help keep you safe from potential diseases that the animals can carry.
It is also necessary to remove any food sources that may be attracting the skunks in the first place. Make sure there are no pet dishes filled with leftover food outside or bird feeders close by that could easily draw them back into your yard. After this step has been completed, you’re ready for the next one: sealing up holes and gaps in your deck.
Sealing Holes And Gaps In The Deck
Sealing off holes and gaps in the deck is a critical step for preventing skunks from taking residence under your deck. Skunks are resourceful creatures, so it’s important to take every measure necessary to ensure they can’t get back inside once you’ve removed them.
To seal off any potential entry points:
- Inspect the outside of your home/deck for any openings that could be used as an entry point by a skunk. These include areas around windows and pipes or along foundation walls and siding. Look for any cracks or crevices larger than half an inch wide.
- Consider hiring a professional pest control company to inspect your property if you’re uncertain about where potential entry points may exist.
- If possible, use caulk or expanding foam insulation to fill in small gaps between window frames and siding, as well as other large openings such as structural support beams under decks. For large spaces like this, consider using hardware cloth (metal mesh) to cover the opening before caulking over it with silicone caulk.
It’s also beneficial to keep debris away from the house – piles of wood, boxes, and yard waste serve as attractive “homes” for skunks looking for shelter near people’s homes or businesses. By removing these items from near the exterior of your building, you’ll make it less appealing for skunks (and other animals!) to seek refuge there in the future. Taking these steps will help ensure no further animals take residence under your deck without having to resort to harsh chemical repellents which could harm wildlife or pets nearby.
Ensuring No Further Animals Take Residence Under The Deck
Install a wire mesh fence along the bottom edge of your deck, blocking all access points with strong fencing material. You may want to invest in some motion-activated sprinklers that will spray water on anything moving around beneath it.
Motion Activated Sprinkler
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Ultimately though, seeking professional assistance may be necessary if none of these tactics work. Wildlife control agents have years of experience and know the best way to handle stubborn critters like skunks without causing harm to them or yourself. They can help identify problem areas, set humane traps, and safely remove any unwanted guests before sealing off entryways permanently so no other pests can move in again.
Seeking Professional Assistance
If you’re unable to get rid of skunks yourself, or if you are uncomfortable trying to do so, it’s time to seek professional assistance. There is no shame in asking for help – pest control professionals have the experience and knowledge necessary to safely remove animals from your property. They can also provide tips on how to make sure that further critters don’t take up residence under your deck in the future.
Not only will hiring a professional ensure that the job is done correctly, but they can also provide advice as to what materials can be used safely around children and pets. Additionally, professionals may have access to chemicals not available over-the-counter, which could be helpful when attempting to keep skunks away from your yard. It’s important that these products are utilized with caution and according to all instructions; failure to do so could result in harm to humans or other wildlife living nearby. With a skilled professional by your side, you’ll soon feel at ease knowing that there won’t be any more unwelcome visitors taking refuge beneath your deck!
Using Chemicals To Keep Skunks Away
It’s natural to be wary of using chemicals for skunk removal. After all, we want what is best for the environment and our health. But with careful consideration, chemical repellents can provide an effective way to keep skunks away from your home.
As a rodent expert, I recommend you use EPA approved products that are designed specifically for skunk control. These sprays contain ingredients like ammonia, mothballs, and peppermint oil which have been proven to deter these animals from taking up residence around your property. Just make sure to follow product instructions carefully before applying it near any vegetation or water sources.
When done properly, chemical repellents offer a safe and efficient way of skunk prevention without having to resort to more extreme measures such as trapping them. The key is understanding how they work and being prepared for potential risks associated with their usage. With this in mind, let’s move on to safety considerations when dealing with skunks in order to ensure everyone stays safe during the process.
How to Safely Deal With Skunks
Safety is paramount when dealing with skunks. They may appear harmless, but don’t be fooled, they are dangerous if provoked or cornered. That’s why, before attempting to get rid of the skunks under your deck or in your yard, you should take certain precautions.
- never attempt to handle a skunk by yourself. Skunks are wild animals, and their behavior can be unpredictable.
- If you must approach a skunk, always wear protective clothing such as gloves and eye protection and carry a long stick for extra security.
- Make sure that any children or pets nearby are away from the animal at all times.
It’s also important to ensure that there are no entry points into your home where the skunk can enter while being removed from underneath the deck. Check around windowsills, doors, and other areas where gaps between frames exist; seal off any possible access points with sheet metal or another material suitable for blocking out wildlife like skunks. This will help prevent future infestations of pests in your backyard or under your deck area.
Preventative Measures For Stopping Future Infestations
Imagining the pungent smell of skunk wafting through your deck can be a distressing experience. But preventing future infestations is possible! As a rodent expert, I recommend taking these steps to make sure that no more skunks take up residence beneath your deck.
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- This mesh solved issues with snakes, gophers, skunks, chipmunks, rabbits, and other creatures living under your wooden deck.
Firstly, it’s important to get rid of any potential food sources. Skunks are scavengers and their presence may indicate that they’ve found some tasty treats in or around your home. Make sure all garbage cans have tight-fitting lids, pet food dishes are inside at night, and bird feeders are out of reach of ground predators like skunks.
Next, inspect for entry points under the deck itself and seal them off with hardware cloth or landscape fabric stapled tightly against the foundation or siding. If there’s an opening large enough for skunks to enter underneath decks or porches, then sealing it shut should do the trick. You’ll also want to check around perimeter fencing and other outdoor structures — if you find gaps larger than 4 inches wide (for smaller animals) or 8 inches wide (for larger animals), fill them in with wire mesh as soon as possible. Finally, keep wood piles stored away from houses and decks; this will reduce the chances of attracting uninvited guests.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to discourage unwelcome critters from setting up shop near your property – giving you peace of mind knowing that your deck is safe from smelly intruders!
Conclusion
The key to preventing skunks from settling under your deck is to take preventative measures. One of the best ways to keep them away is by keeping all foods, garbage, and pet food secured in containers with tight-fitting lids. It’s also important to seal off any entry points or gaps around your home so these animals can’t get inside. The good news is that most areas have a low population density of skunks – only about 10 per square kilometer – making a successful removal rather likely for most homeowners.
Suppose you do find yourself dealing with an infestation of skunks. In that case, it’s important to contact a professional wildlife expert who can humanely trap and release the animals far away from your property. This will help protect both you and the animal, as well as ensure that no further problems arise in the future. Taking proactive steps will give you peace of mind knowing your family, pets, and belongings are safe from potential harm from wild animals like skunks.