How To Eliminate Skunks And Keep Them Away Permanently

By Author: Critter Stop - Frisco
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The 3 Steps to Eliminate Skunks

Skunks play an important role in the ecosystem. As omnivores, they consume a wide range of garden pests like mice, voles, larvae, crickets, beetles, and wasps. They also help clean up the environment by removing animal carcasses. In essence, they are useful scavengers.

However, this usefulness is overshadowed if one decides to make your porch its home. Having provided skunk removal services countless times across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we’ve put together a quick guide to show you the most effective skunk removal techniques and the three key steps you can take to keep these adorable yet troublesome critters at bay.

1. Identify and Remove the Food Source

If a skunk has taken up residence under or near your home, the first step is to determine what attracted the animal to your property in the first place. Insects are often the primary reason, as they are a major food source for skunks.

If you discover insect infestations around your home, a skunk may see your property as an ideal hunting ground. By getting rid of these pests, you remove one of the main reasons ...
... a skunk might want to stay.

But insects aren’t the only thing on a skunk’s menu. If bugs aren’t the issue and you still find yourself needing skunk removal, the food source could be something else. Take these steps to eliminate potential food sources:

Secure trash cans with tight lids and keep compost bins covered.
Pick up fallen fruits and nuts from trees.
Mow the lawn regularly.
Avoid feeding pets outside.
Secure your garden with proper fencing.

2. Use Repellents to Deter Skunks from Your Property

Skunks aren’t just looking for food; they’re also seeking a safe place to raise their young. A female skunk typically gives birth once a year and can have up to 10 babies in a litter. If your basement or crawl space seems like a good nesting spot to her, it’s time to act. To avoid having to remove a skunk family later, it’s best to discourage the expectant mother from choosing your home as her nursery.

As skunk removal specialists, we recommend the following deterrents:

Install motion-activated lights around your property.
Place lattice around the base of patios, decks, and crawl space vents.
Use commercial skunk repellents.
Skunks are nocturnal and tend to avoid humans, larger animals, and bright lights. Since they aren’t good climbers, a 3-foot fence is usually enough to keep them out of certain areas. Additionally, you can find repellents at most stores, or you can even make your own using natural recipes available online.

3. Hire a Skunk Removal Expert

The most effective way to ensure the skunk is removed from your property is to trap and relocate it. Although skunks are generally non-aggressive and pose little threat to humans, their sulfur-based spray can linger for two to three days, making contact with them highly unpleasant.

Through our experience in skunk removal, we’ve found that while tomato juice baths are often recommended as a remedy after being sprayed, there’s no scientific evidence that this method actually neutralizes the odor. The best strategy is to avoid getting sprayed in the first place, which is why it’s wise to leave the trapping to a professional.

When choosing a skunk removal service, consider the following:

Do they provide a guarantee?
How do they handle the animal once it’s captured?
Are their methods safe for your pets?
Are they dependable and punctual?
What are their rates?
If you’re considering tackling skunk trapping and removal on your own, be aware of the risks. Some states have regulations that make it illegal to trap skunks without the proper credentials. Before you head out to buy supplies, check your local laws.

Skunks can carry rabies, fleas, and other diseases, making professional removal your safest option. At Critter Stop, we offer a free consultation, during which a skunk removal expert will evaluate the situation and develop a customized plan to keep skunks and other pests away for good. When you choose our services, you’re hiring a team of professionals who not only remove the animal but also restore your home and offer a lifetime guarantee on all services.