What are Skunks?

Skunks are small mammals best known for their black-and-white coloring and their ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid when threatened. While they are generally shy and nocturnal, skunks can become problematic when they den under decks, porches, sheds, or crawl spaces. They feed on insects, grubs, small animals, fruits, and garbage, making residential areas appealing to them. Although they play a role in controlling insect populations, their presence around homes and businesses often causes significant concern due to their odor and potential health risks.

Signs of Skunk Infestation

You may have a skunk problem if you notice:

• A strong, persistent musky odor around your property or indoors
• Burrows or holes under decks, sheds, or porches
• Tracks with five toes and visible claw marks in soil or mud
• Garbage bins tipped over with food scattered around
• Lawn damage caused by digging for grubs and insects
• Noises at night, including scratching or movement under structures

Why They are a Problem

The most obvious problem with skunks is their powerful spray, which can cause eye irritation and lingering odors that are difficult to remove. In addition to this, skunks dig up lawns and gardens while foraging for insects, leaving behind unsightly patches of soil. They may also carry diseases and parasites, including rabies, fleas, and ticks, which can spread to pets and people. A skunk living under your home or business can quickly create both a nuisance and a health hazard.

Where Do They Come From?

Skunks are drawn to areas with food, water, and shelter. Common attractants and entry points include:

• Spaces under decks, sheds, porches, or crawl spaces
• Unsecured garbage bins and compost piles
• Outdoor pet food or bird seed left overnight
• Lawns and gardens with high grub or insect populations
• Nearby woods or brush piles that provide natural cover

They are primarily active at night, making them difficult for homeowners to spot until signs of damage or odor appear.

How to Get Rid of Skunks at Home

If you are searching for how to get rid of skunks, here are some prevention steps you can try:

• Secure garbage bins with tight-fitting lids and avoid leaving trash outdoors overnight
• Remove outdoor food sources such as pet food, bird seed, and fallen fruit
• Install fencing or wire mesh barriers around decks, sheds, and crawl spaces
• Keep lawns grub-free by using lawn treatments to reduce insect populations
• Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers to discourage skunks from approaching

While these methods may help, direct removal should only be handled by professionals to avoid spraying and potential injury.

Skunks vs Raccoons

Skunks are sometimes confused with raccoons when they invade properties, but they differ in several ways:

• Skunks are black and white with long bushy tails, while raccoons have gray fur with a black facial mask and ringed tails
• Skunks produce a foul odor when threatened, while raccoons are known for being aggressive and destructive
• Skunks dig shallow holes in lawns looking for insects, while raccoons are more likely to tear open garbage bins and roofs

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we provide safe and humane skunk removal services. Our trained team identifies dens, safely removes the skunks, and seals off entry points to prevent future problems. We also provide odor control solutions and guidance on reducing attractants around your property. With our professional help, you can eliminate skunks quickly and restore safety and comfort to your home or business.