How do I get rid of a skunk under my deck?

So you're minding your business one day when you hear something. What's that noise coming from under the deck? You go and investigate and you find a skunk!

Now it's a skunk-mating season, so of course, skunks are looking for love. Unfortunately under your deck isn't the best place to attempt to woo another skunk because skunks can spray from as far as 10 feet away… not good when they're under your deck.

The city of Mississauga and Toronto have had skunk sightings before, and skunks can cause a lot of damage to your property if not removed properly and permanently.

However, don't worry. These nocturnal animals are rarely seen during the day, but they can be elusive creatures and do require professional services to remove.

What are Skunks?

Skunks are mammals that are native to North America.

They can be black and white or brown and white depending on their breed. Skunks vary in size from 20cm (8 inches) to 62 cm (2 feet), but they all have a small head, short legs and a long bushy tail that is almost as long as their body.

Skunks are common suspects for living beneath houses, sheds, and decks. Skunks have powerful short legs that allow them to dig beneath at least 2 feet of foundation to access crawl spaces. Even though you do not detect a skunk, one is there on your property.

Getting rid of skunks requires a professional who can first assess the situation and give you different solutions for removal.

Are Skunks Dangerous?

Skunks are not dangerous animals to humans. They're actually very skittish and will run away from you if they can. They do however have a defense mechanism which is to spray anything they feel threatened by which is why you should leave removal and any interaction with them to the local experts in skunk removal services in your area.

Will Skunks chase you?

Skunks are docile and non-threatening creatures that mind their own business as long as they are left alone. A healthy skunk will usually avoid humans or bigger animals, so you should not be afraid of being chased by one. This doesn't mean you should go near skunks or try to touch them.

Are Skunks Dangerous to pets?

Skunks are extremely harmful to pets, and that is because they don't appear to be so. Your cat or dog will happily explore the skunk, and things may even be quite amiable at first, but one paw out of place and the skunk will swivel around and spray. Skunk spray is not just unpleasant; it's also highly toxic. It has a reason for smelling so badly. It is an enormous warning sign to any predator or attacking animal that it should flee as quickly as possible...and quickly!

The skunk's poisonous brew contains both alcohol and Sulphur, which is a hazardous combination. It has an unpleasant odor and is not particularly welcome if it comes into contact with your skin. It can cause vomiting and nausea, as well as minor burns, and if it enters the eye, it may even result in blindness, although this is usually temporary.

What to do if a skunk has sprayed your dog or cat?

Skunk spray is quite poisonous to dogs, and if it enters your pet's eyes, nose, or mouth, he or she could become violently ill. If a skunk sprays your dog, you will need to call the veterinarian in order to eliminate the strong odor.

Most skunks will only spray a dog if it feels threatened or cornered, so the best way to avoid this is by keeping your pets on a leash. Skunks are usually very skittish and will not attack unless they feel threatened, so as long as you keep your pet from antagonizing them, skunks should not become an issue for you.

Skunk spraying is a defense mechanism, so the best way to avoid having skunks sprayed on your property is to simply leave them alone and call a specialist. If you have a skunk visit your yard, wait until they have left the area before going out there yourself. Most skunks will either leave within a few hours or wait until dark before emerging from their burrows again.

How do you get rid of a Skunk from under your deck?

If they're living under your deck, it means that there's a hole or tunnel for them to get in through. You'll need to seal up the area so that no skunks can get in or out of your deck. Once skunks are out of the picture, you can use deterrents like skunk sprays and ammonia to keep skunks away.

If this isn't done properly skunks will just find another way in and the skunk under your deck problem will continue.

Bottom line, leave it to the experts so that you save yourself time, money and from being sprayed.

Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control specialists have been helping residents of Toronto and Mississauga with skunk removal for years and are experts at wildlife control.