Skunks Can Be A Real Menace In Western Massachusetts

July 8, 2022

In: Wildlife

Finding a skunk on your property can be startling. Although these creatures are cute, they have the ability to unleash a powerfully stinky spray that is notoriously difficult to get rid of. These wild animals also carry rabies, and a bite from them could seriously harm your children or pets. They also ruin yards by digging their dens, disturbing vital root systems, and leaving behind unsightly dirt piles. 
 
Skunks are nuisance pests that are best left up to exterminators to take care of. Keep reading to learn more about skunks and how to keep them off your property.

Where Do Skunks Like To Hide?

Skunks live in dens that they build with their front paws and claws. They'll also move into abandoned fox holes, woodpiles, and hollow or rotted-out logs. When these places aren't available, and there are residential properties nearby, a skunk might seek shelter in your yard. Here are some of the common places skunks like to hide:

• Beneath sheds
• Inside garages
• Under porches or decks
• Within woodpiles stacked close to your house
• Inside crawl spaces
• Inside drainage pipes
• Underneath stone walls

If you find a skunk living on your property, it's best to leave the removal up to a Western Massachusetts pest control expert, like American Pest Solutions.

What To Do If You Have Been Sprayed By A Skunk

Although TV and movies portray skunks as major sprayers, they typically don't spray humans unless they believe they're in serious danger. A skunk will only use its spray as a final line of defense, and it will warn you ahead of time, with stomping feet, a raised tail, and making hissing noises. 

It's important not to disturb a skunk on your property, especially if it has babies nearby. In the event you're sprayed, the first thing to do is stay calm. If the spray hits you in the face, flush your eyes with cool water. Contrary to popular belief, a tomato juice bath isn't the best solution to get rid of skunk odor. A more effective solution is to use a mixture of peroxide and baking soda. Take a quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, half of a cup of baking soda, and a teaspoon of mild dish soap or detergent and rub the skin thoroughly for about five minutes. Rinse with cool water and repeat the process until you remove the scent.

Ways To Deter Skunks In Western Massachusetts

The best way to avoid getting sprayed by a skunk is to prevent them from making your property their home. Here are several ways you can keep your home skunk-free.

• Get rid of potential den sites by filling holes and blocking off the under portion of your patio or deck.
• Avoid feeding your pets outdoors, as skunks love to eat pet food.
• Address any underlying insect infestations to prevent skunks from coming to feed on the bugs around your property.
• Store outdoor garbage in sturdy receptacles with locking lids. 
• Seal and patch holes in your home's foundation 
• Install a fence around your garden areas to keep skunks out of your fruits and vegetables.
• Keep bird feeders a significant distance from your home's exterior.

If these preventative measures fail, contact an pest control professional to take care of your skunk problems safely.

Keeping Skunks Away From Your House For Good

American Pest Solutions has been assisting homeowners with wildlife invaders for over 100 years. Our trained experts will safely remove skunks from your property in a humane manner. Give us a call today to learn more about our comprehensive wildlife control services and to schedule an appointment.