Skunks are a nuisance that can cause a lot of damage to property. They can spray a foul-smelling substance that can last for weeks. Requests for Skunk removal normally occur when homeowners smell a strong odor, see them foraging on their property, are concerned about turf damage or destruction of eggs and poultry.
How do you evacuate a skunk?
Removing food sources that attract skunks is one of the best methods to eliminate them from residential properties. Keep garbage cans tightly closed, pick up fallen fruit and clean bird feeders regularly. Fence vegetable gardens to prevent skunks from digging under them and scavenging vegetables and fruits. Use skunk-deterrent sprays around the garden area and under decks, porches and sheds. Commercial-grade repellents, such as mothballs, work well and can be purchased at most hardware stores.
If a skunk has been living under your house, removing it requires extensive and labor-intensive work. First locate all holes leading up under the house and seal them except for one. Then install a one-way door excluder that will allow the skunk to leave but not return. Repeat this process in all other entrance holes.
A live trap can also be used, but be very cautious since skunks can spray you if they think their babies are in danger. Plastic box traps are preferable over wire ones and are entirely enclosed, decreasing the likelihood that you will get sprayed by a trapped skunk. Skunks are very territorial and usually only spray if they feel their young are in danger. Before spraying, they give a warning by stamping their forefeet and arching their tails over their backs.