When and where do skunks become a problem?
- Author Dan Frankian
- Published July 19, 2022
- Word count 569
Skunks often become a problem when they build their winter dens in mid to late autumn. Though they do not hibernate, skunks do slow down and enter a state of torpor. Skunks will stay in the shelter for long periods and occasionally emerge to find food.
These dens are usually under woodpiles, decks, or sheds, where the skunk is protected from the weather. In some cases, a group of skunks share a single winter den. Skunks will begin to emerge from their dens around late February and early March; this is when they will begin to breed. The kits are usually born from late May to early June, and there can be anywhere from 2 to 12 kits in a single litter.
The females and kits will continue to use the den until they become more independent, around two and a half months after birth. A skunk with a den on your property not only means that it could be living right under your porch but that it will be spending a lot of time hanging around looking for food. Skunks are natural diggers and will rip up massive portions of grass lawns while looking for food in the ground.
However, the most common reason skunks are a problem is because of the smell.
Skunks spray not only when they are startled but also to mark their territory. Their thick, oily musk is hard to clean off both structures and pets. The odour tends to linger for days, even when it is outside. If sprayed from too close, it is also irritating and causes burning in the eyes.
Finally, skunks carry diseases and parasites. They are one of the major carriers of rabies and also transmit canine parvovirus and leptospirosis, all of which can be very dangerous to humans and pets.
MOST COMMON SCENARIOS AND COMPLAINTS:
Skunks under Sheds and Decks
We most commonly see skunks burrowing underneath sheds and elevated wooden structures. Because most sheds and decks don't have perfectly sealed floors, all the skunk has to do is dig underneath the structure's wall, and they are granted access to the protected and enclosed space. Though not as destructive as some other common shed inhabitants, skunks can certainly do a lot of damage.
Skunks under Concrete Pads
We also often see skunks burrowing under concrete pads, such as concrete porches, slab driveways, and bases for small structures like firewood sheds. Skunks like these places because of their seclusion: the concrete top and the fact that few other animals are as adept at digging give them a protected space to raise their kits. This can be detrimental to the property. If the concrete pad is weight-bearing, a sizable hole dug underneath can cause structural damages that make it unsafe.
Skunks in urban centres like Toronto and Mississauga and surrounding areas create problems by spraying your home or dog or ripping up your lawn and garden. More rural communities may find their fruit and vegetable gardens robbed and small poultry attacked and/or killed. We often receive emails and phone calls from people who need our help to:
Keep skunks away from the backyard;
Get rid of skunks from their yards;
Keep skunks away from homes;
Figure out what repels skunks;
Trap and remove skunks from under decks and porches;
Stop skunks from digging in their lawn;
Provide ideas for skunk repellent or skunk deterrent.
Part 2 of this article will follow soon
The source of the article: https://www.hawkeye.ca/toronto-humane-pest-animal-wildlife-control-removal-skunk
Written by Staff at https://www.hawkeye.ca/
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Exclusive Interview with Maddox Blackstone
- The Dark Reality of Forced Prison Labor: Why I Stand Behind Proposition 6
- From Luxury To Necessity: The Rise Of Electric Golf Carts In Community Planning
- 7 Natural Solutions For A Grease-Free Kitchen
- Emotional Resonance: How Music Evokes Feelings And Memories
- The Ultimate Guide to Motion Graphics in Manchester: Elevate Your Brand with Stunning Visuals
- What is the legacy of the Nazi, Joseph Goebbels?
- The Art and Science of Garden Design
- BNPL vs Traditional Lending: Which Is the Better Option for Today’s Consumers?
- Chauffeur Services in Malaysia: A Comprehensive Overview
- How to prepare the feet for going on a long hike?
- How to find rare coins for your collection?
- 10 Powerful Benefits of Consistent Ice Bath Sessions
- Illuminating Your Spaces: The Role of Lighting Specialists in Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon
- How to Resolve Differences in the Workplace Without Argument
- Why Small to Large Companies Continue to Use Dated/Dinosaur Technology
- Are You Unknowingly Signing Away Your Mechanic Lien Rights?
- What could be done in the future to help manage Autism Spectrum Disorder?
- Best Dog Food for small dogs.
- Paris Hilton loves small dogs
- How Anyone Can Start an Online Business Selling Digital Products
- Maximizing Your Travel Experience with Travel-Bookmarks.com: A Free Travel Social Bookmarking Site
- Are Saint Laurent and YSL the Same?
- How to Know if a YSL Bag is Real?
- Does Gucci Have a Lifetime Guarantee?
- Where Are Gucci Bamboo Bags Made?
- Vintage Furniture Trends: Armoires, Rustic Mid-Century, Farmhouse Styles
- Rustic Lodge Décor with Heritage Antique Doors and Furniture with a Soul
- The Golden Age of Piracy
- Handcrafted Antique Wood Doors for Cottages: Vintage Charm and Elegance