Skunks have babies in the spring, sometime between April and June. It is during this time of year that females seek shelter under decks, sheds, porches, and patios. Skunks are mild-mannered creatures, but their spray can be dangerous. Skunk spray is so toxic that most predators – even bears – leave skunks alone. If there are skunks in your neighbourhood, it’s best that you keep them off your property. Call Wildlife Removal Peterborough if you have any skunk concerns and a professional will help you out.
Skunks are omnivores that feed on berries, vegetables, insects, earthworms, frogs, eggs, and more. They can be found in nearly every ecosystem in the Americas. As a crepuscular species, skunks are most active during twilight. They do not hibernate but are much less active during the winter. In February or March, when temperatures rise, skunks emerge from their dens and mate. Females carry litters of 2 to 7 kits for about 66 days, then give birth between April and June. Kits are largely immobile at birth and stay in their dens full-time until they are roughly 8 weeks of age.
How to Get Rid of Skunks
The easiest way you can get rid of skunks is to wait until the end of the season. Female skunks and their offspring tend to leave their dens by midsummer or early fall when the kits have grown. If you cannot wait, try harassing the skunks out of their den. Leave a radio on near the den or point a flashlight toward its entrance. Skunks try to sleep during the day, so they prefer dark and quiet locations. Alternatively, you can surround the den with cat litter, ammonia, or rags soaked in apple cider vinegar. This will mimic the scent of predators and encourage the skunks to leave.
For a more direct approach, try installing a one-way door to the entrance of the den. This will evict the animals safely. The one-way door swings only outward, so when the skunks want to leave, they will simply push their way through the door. Once out, they will be unable to get back in. You can ask a professional wildlife remover to install a one-way door for you or you can modify a trap yourself. Be sure to wait until midsummer so that the kits have grown. To help ensure that they won’t come back, surround the den with a thick steel mesh.
Hire a Professional Skunk Remover
Getting rid of skunks is much easier said than done. These are intelligent little animals that will spray you if you get too close. Hiring a skunk remover is a sure-fire way to get rid of skunks and keep them out. Our technicians are thoroughly licensed, experienced, and insured for your peace of mind. They can not only remove skunks humanely but identify every other vulnerability on your property and exclude it from wildlife. Call us for skunk solutions in Peterborough and beyond. Our services come with a 2-year warranty.