How To Get Rid Of A Skunk Under Your House
One of the most unpleasant smells that someone can experience is that of a skunk, and if you happen to have one living under your house, it is going to become a significant problem for you and your family. Skunks are notorious for the foul-smelling spray they emit when threatened, and this spray can linger for days if it is not taken care of properly. However, removing a skunk from under your house can be a tricky process, and some people may not know where to start. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of a skunk under your house, including prevention methods and safe removal tips.
Preventing Skunks From Living Under Your House
The first step in keeping skunks from living under your house is preventing them from getting inside in the first place. This usually means blocking off any potential entry points that they could use to gain access to your home. Skunks are pretty good climbers, and they can easily climb up trees and jump from a high distance. Therefore, you need to be sure that all of your windows are secure.
You also need to make sure that there are no holes or gaps in your foundation or walls. Skunks can fit through very small openings, so it is important to inspect your home thoroughly to make sure that there are no gaps or openings that need to be sealed. If you find any openings, make sure to seal them with a sturdy material such as metal or cement.
Also, make sure that all of the garbage cans and compost bins are securely sealed. Skunks are attracted to food, and if they find an easy source of food, they will be more likely to stick around. Keep your pet food inside and feed your pets inside as well. If you have a garden, make sure to harvest and collect your fruit and vegetables as soon as possible to prevent any smell that might attract skunks.
Removing A Skunk From Under Your House
Sometimes even if you have taken all of the necessary preventive measures, skunks can still find their way into your house. If you happen to have a skunk living under your house, you should take steps to remove it as soon as possible. Here are some safe and humane ways to remove a skunk from under your house:
1. Live Trapping
Live trapping is one of the most common and humane ways to remove skunks from under your house. You can purchase live traps from most hardware stores, or you can rent them from animal control or pest control services. You should set the trap near the skunk den and bait it with food that is attractive to skunks, such as cat food or fish. Once the skunk is caught, you should contact your local animal control or wildlife removal service to safely remove the skunk and release it back into the wild.
2. Skunk Repellents
Skunk repellents are another option for removing skunks from under your house. You can purchase skunk repellents from most hardware stores. These repellents can be in the form of sprays or granules that you can spread around the skunk den or the area where they are living. However, be aware that these repellents do not guarantee that the skunks will leave your home. Skunks are persistent animals and may simply move to a different area of your property.
3. Call A Professional
If you are not comfortable dealing with skunks on your own, you can call a professional wildlife removal service to remove the skunk for you. Wildlife removal services have the training and equipment necessary to safely and humanely remove the skunk from your home without putting yourself in danger.
FAQs
Q: Are skunks dangerous?
A: Skunks are not typically dangerous to humans, but they can carry diseases such as rabies. They can also cause damage to your property if they are left untreated.
Q: How can I tell if I have a skunk living under my house?
A: You may notice a strong, musky odor coming from underneath your home. You may also see skunk tracks or other signs of skunk activity around your home.
Q: Can I use poison to get rid of skunks?
A: It is not recommended to use poison to get rid of skunks. Poison can be dangerous to other animals and can cause a painful and slow death for the skunk.
Q: Is it legal to trap and release skunks?
A: The laws on trapping and releasing skunks vary by state and local laws. You should check the laws in your area before attempting to trap and release a skunk.
Q: Can I use a repellent to keep skunks away from my property?
A: Skunk repellents can be effective at keeping skunks away from your property, but they are not always guaranteed to work. It is best to use preventive measures such as securing your garbage cans and sealing any gaps in your home to prevent skunks from getting inside in the first place.
Conclusion
Getting rid of a skunk under your house can be a challenge, but it is important to take action sooner rather than later. Skunks can cause damage to your property and their spray can linger for days if it is not removed properly. By following the preventive measures outlined in this article and using safe and humane removal methods, you can successfully remove a skunk from under your home without putting yourself or the skunk in danger. If you have any questions or concerns about removing a skunk from your home, contact your local wildlife removal or animal control service for advice and assistance.