HOW TO GET RID OF SKUNKS FROM UNDER THE DECK/SHED/PORCH?
Skunks — Their Behavior and How To Get Rid of Them
Skunk facts not only make for fantastic conversation, but they can also be a lot of fun to learn. The mating habits of skunks have been intensely studied over the years, and although people know that skunks stink, there are many more unique facts about these critters than most are aware of. Fortunately, you don't have to search for skunk facts from scratch — here's your complete collection of fascinating skunk information to unlock the mysteries of these mammals for good.
Skunk Behavior
Skunks are a common nuisance in the United States and Canada, but they are also one of our most fascinating wild animals. Skunks are good climbers, diggers, and swimmers. They can climb up trees to get food, but they usually don't climb down until they have eaten all they can. Skunks are nocturnal animals that spend most of the day sleeping in dens, burrows, or hollow logs. They will also nest under sheds, decks or porches if given a chance.
Skunks are very territorial animals that can live for up to seven years. They are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They have poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell, allowing them to detect food up to 30 feet away.
Skunk Mating and Breeding Habits
Female skunks can mate at about eight months old. However, they are not uncommon to breed as early as six months old. Males will mate with multiple females during their active season (spring through summer). Skunks usually only produce one litter per year. However, they can have two litters if there is an abundance of food available in their area. The male will stay with the female until her kits are born (about 60 days after mating), then he will leave and go off on his own again until next year's mating season begins.
Skunk Nesting Habits
Female skunks typically give birth to one litter per year after a gestation period of 50-60 days. They generally produce four kits simultaneously, although some litters may have as many as six babies. The kits are born blind and hairless with their eyes closed for several weeks after they're born, but they start opening themselves up at around three weeks old and will remain with their mother until they are about six months old before setting off on their own. The average lifespan in captivity is about seven years, but wild skunks only live 2-3 years due to predators or disease hazards such as rabies (which can easily be transmitted to humans).
Skunk Diseases
The most common disease transmitted by skunks is rabies. Rabies is a fatal viral infection that causes neurological damage to sufferers and can lead to violent behavior and death if left untreated. Skunk bites can also transmit tularemia, which causes fever and severe headaches in humans but rarely proves fatal unless left untreated.
Skunk Damage
Skunk damage is a problem that can make your life miserable. You know what I am talking about if you have pets or children. Not only can skunks be dangerous to humans, but they are also dangerous to other animals. Skunks will eat just about anything and dig up your garden if given a chance.
Skunk Removal Myths
There are many myths surrounding skunk removal. Some people think they need to wait until dark before attempting to remove them from their property, and this is false as skunks will be out during the day and at night searching for food and mates. Another myth is that if you spray them with water, they will leave and not come back; this is false because they have no fear of water, so spraying them with water will not cause them any harm (or stop them from coming back). The best way to get rid of a skunk is by using a one-way excluder door or calling a professional with experience trapping these animals.
Laws and Regulations
In most states, it is illegal to kill skunks unless there is an immediate threat to human health or safety or if they are caught in traps set for other animals (like raccoons).
When Is Skunk Baby Season
Skunks will have their babies in late spring or early summer, depending on where you live in North America. You can expect this period to last 3-8 weeks, depending on where you live and how many babies are born each year.
Skunk Removal Method — Excluder One-Way Door
Prochute™ one way door is a skunk exclusion device that allows them to leave the structure but not re-enter. Prochute™ one-way door is installed over the entry hole where the animal has entered and exits through the same opening.
Prochute™ one way door can be used for evicting raccoons, skunks, opossums, groundhogs, rabbits and similar size animals. This product is effective because it allows animals to leave the structure independently and does not harm them. Once an animal enters through the one-way door, there is no way for them to return inside of your home or business.
This method of skunk removal is safe for both humans and animals alike! It prevents further contact between humans and skunks, which could lead to being sprayed or potential rabies exposure.
Step 1: Inspect your property for signs of skunk entry point under the deck, shed, or porch.
Step 2: During baby season, check for babies in the nest. Babies will not leave the den until fully mobile. They need to be removed physically before installing the one way door and placed in an incubator to be reunited with their mother. They will be relocated to a secondary den. If babies are not accessible, wait until they are mobile and only then install the one way door.
Step 3: Install the one way door over the entry point. Skunks are excellent diggers so make sure to use screening to stop them from digging in a new location. Seal any potential gaps.
Step 4: Wait 24 to 72 hours for skunks to evict themselves.
Step 5: After eviction has been confirmed, remove the one way door and seal the remaining hole/gap.
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