5 Affordable Ways to Control Skunks on Your Thornhill Property
When looking for skunks removal service in Thornhill, AAA Affordable Wildlife Control has a balance of quality work and reasonable prices. We guarantee our work so you won’t be wasting money with our skunk prevention techniques. Call us at (416) 560-4656 for Affordable Skunk Removal from underneath your front porch.
Skunks are common in urban areas like Thornhill, where wild animals can easily be attracted to readily available food sources. These primarily nocturnal creatures are known for their distinctive white stripes and potent skunk odour—a natural defence mechanism that deters predators and other wildlife. Although they are poor climbers, skunks are expert diggers, often leaving behind noticeable digging holes under decks and sheds as they search for shelter or to hunt for lawn grubs. Their varied diet includes insects, fallen fruit, remnants from bird feeders, and even garbage, all of which can attract skunks to your property.
Given the potential risks associated with skunk encounters, such as the transmission of the rabies virus and episodes of abnormal behaviour when threatened, implementing a robust removal process is essential. Whether you opt for DIY methods or enlist professional skunk removal services for permanent removal, it is crucial to address these issues promptly to prevent future infestations. Below are five practical tips designed to help you control skunks on your Thornhill property.
5 Things You Can Do to Get Rid of Skunks
1. Avoid Leaving Pet Food Outdoors
Skunks are opportunistic feeders attracted to any accessible food. Keeping pet food indoors or feeding your animals in a controlled area helps reduce the temptation for skunks to visit your property. Consistently removing this attractant ensures that they don’t establish a regular feeding spot near your home.
2. Eliminate Unintentional Food Sources
Even seemingly minor food sources, such as fallen bird seed or ripe fruit from trees, can lure skunks into your yard. Regularly cleaning up these remnants minimizes the chance of skunks finding a reliable, unintended buffet, thereby reducing their incentive to return.
Contact Affordable Wildlife Control Services
Do you need wildlife removal services? We can help!
- Customized Wildlife Control Plans: Tailored solutions for nuisance wildlife problems.
- Affordable Raccoon Removal and Best Squirrel Removal Cost in Brampton and Toronto
- Emergency Wildlife Removal Services: Availability for urgent wildlife removal emergencies.
- Great Affordable Wildlife Removal Reviews
- ☎️ Call AAA Affordable Wildlife Control now at 416-560-8972 for wildlife prevention that lasts.
3. Secure Your Waste Containers
Trash cans and organic bins can be a goldmine for skunks if not properly managed. Use containers with tight-fitting lids and, whenever possible, store organic waste in an enclosed area, such as a garage or front porch, until collection day. This proactive measure prevents skunks from rummaging through leftovers and establishing your property as a food source.
4. Utilize Natural Odour Barriers
Skunks are sensitive to strong odours. Deploying natural deterrents such as apple cider vinegar or ammonia-soaked rags near areas like decks, sheds, or porches can discourage them from venturing close. These odour barriers create an unwelcoming environment without resorting to harmful chemicals.
5. Reinforce Property Barriers
Known for their digging prowess, skunks can create shelters under decks or sheds. Installing wire mesh or galvanized steel mesh around these vulnerable areas effectively blocks off potential entry points. Secure the mesh deeply into the ground to ensure a long-lasting barrier that prevents skunk nesting and reduces their overall presence.
If you’re having trouble getting rid of skunks despite these measures, consider contacting affordable wildlife removal experts at Thornhill Wildlife Control Services. Their specialized services can help protect your home safely and effectively from persistent skunk issues.
Are Skunks Dangerous?
Skunks are generally not aggressive, but they can still pose a risk to humans and animals. Their most well-known defence mechanism is their skunk spray, which can cause severe irritation and temporary blindness if it gets into the eyes. The skunk smell can also linger on clothing, pets, and property, making skunk removal a challenging task.
Beyond their stinky spray, skunks can carry leptospirosis and rabies, both of which can affect the central nervous systems of humans and pets. If a skunk is acting abnormally, such as stumbling, exhibiting aggression, or being active during the daytime, it could be infected. Avoid contact and seek professional help immediately.
Skunks are excellent diggers and often burrow under structures, causing damage to lawns and foundations. They may also be attracted to pet food, unsecured garbage containers, and birdseed, making a long-term skunk problem more likely. Professional wildlife control services can provide safe and effective solutions if a porch skunk or yard skunk becomes a recurring problem. Not all situations are emergencies and require professional help. A woman had striped skunks on her property, and while they were roaming in her yard, skunks fell into the window well and were trapped down there (skunks can’t climb); she lowered a blanket into the well and anchored it from the ground level. The skunks were able to grab hold of the blanket and climb out.
At Affordable Wildlife Control Services, we offer skunk removal services using humane methods, such as one-way doors and exclusion barriers, to prevent skunks from returning. If deterrents don’t work, we offer wildlife removal as a last resort to protect your home and family.
What To Do If You or Your Dog Gets Sprayed By A Skunk?
If you or your pet gets hit with skunk spray, acting fast will help reduce the strong skunk smell. The best solution is a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and liquid dish soap which will break down the odorous spray. Don’t use water first, as it will spread the oils and intensify the smell. Instead, apply the mixture, let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
For pets, check their eyes and skin for irritation, as skunk spray can cause temporary blindness and discomfort. If irritation persists, consult a veterinarian for further evaluation. Also, be sure to wash any contaminated areas indoors, as the lingering smell can attract other animals, such as raccoons, looking for food sources.
For your clothes, using a mixture of dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda may also help. However, it’s a good idea to test a spot first to ensure it doesn’t damage the material.
To prevent future incidents, secure garbage bins, remove pet food from outside and take steps to prevent skunks from nesting under your porch or shed. If you’re experiencing a skunk problem, our wildlife removal experts can assist you with our professional skunk removal process and animal control techniques.
As a preventative measure, I hired AAA to install vent covers on my roof and side walls. The technician...
Conclusion
In summary, skunks are primarily nocturnal creatures with a varied diet, making them expert diggers that often leave visible signs, such as digging holes on your property. Their natural defence mechanism—releasing a potent skunk odour—can deter skunks from approaching predators, yet it also serves as a reminder of the challenges involved in removing skunks safely. Homeowners may notice abnormal behaviour when these animals are around, and caution is advised since skunks can potentially carry the rabies virus. You can maintain a safer, skunk-free environment by implementing strategies to deter skunks and addressing these issues proactively.
