Welcome back to the Critter Wranglers blog! If you caught our last blog post, 5 Facts About Skunk Mating Season In Tennessee, you learned some useful information about skunk breeding season. From now until spring, skunks will be a common site — and smell — here in Powell, Knoxville, Friendsville, and across the entire state of Tennessee. This means that skunks will be searching for cozy places to set up a den, mate, and give birth to their annual litter of 2-16 kits. Want to learn the secrets to keeping skunks away from your home? Here a few tips you can follow to safeguard your home from the smelliest of wildlife critters. Should skunks take up residence in your home, reach out to Critter Wranglers for a Top Rated Local® skunk removal and other wildlife removal services.
Five Ways to Keep Those Smelly Skunks Away
Seal Off Holes
If a skunk comes across a hole in your yard, they’ll easily turn that hole into a den. Skunks have sharp claws and are excellent diggers, so if you have exposed holes in your yard, these will often attract skunks. Fill any holes in your yard and gardens with dirt, decorative rocks, or use mesh fensing to help keep the skunks away.
Keep Pet Food Indoors
Skunks love pet food, especially the crunchy kibble you feed your dogs and cats. While some dogs and cats are “outdoor pets,” it’s a good idea to feed them indoors, especially during skunk mating season. This will eliminate the possibility of spilling food in the yard, dog runs, or on porches, which will most likely attract skunks seeking out food.
Secure Trash Cans and Recycling Bins
Like raccoons, skunks are curious, they’re great climbers, and they will do what it takes to access a food source once it’s been found. Secure your trash cans and recycling bins with bungee cords and/or snap-shut trash can lids that are wildlife-proof. Pick up any stray trash items around the waste bins and for an added level of security, elevate trash cans off of the ground by placing them atop a pallet or trash can pavers.
Make Loud, Scary Noises
If you hear rustling noises in your yard during the day or night, making loud noises can startle the skunks and get them to move on if they haven’t set up a den. Now, you’ll want to be extremely careful when doing this, as skunks can shoot their nasty defensive spray 10-15 feet. Yell, clap your hands, bang pots and pans together, stomp, or even use an air horn to scare skunks away. Your neighbors might turn up their noses at your actions, but at least you can deter pesky skunks away from your home.
Call Us For a Skunk Removal
Wildlife critters like smelly skunks won’t just go away on their own once they’ve taken up residence on your property. Rather than attempting a DIY skunk removal that could get dangerous and very stinky, call the wildlife removal experts at Critter Wranglers. We offer quick, efficient, humane skunk removal services so you don’t have to worry about getting sprayed by a skunk, or worse, injured by a scratch or a bite. Take back your home with a Top Rated Local® skunk removal in Powell, Knoxville, Maryville, Alcoa, Friendsville, Louisville, Rockford, Seymour, and beyond!
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I'm an experienced wildlife enthusiast with a deep understanding of animal behavior, particularly in the context of urban wildlife management. My expertise is backed by extensive hands-on experience and a comprehensive knowledge base in dealing with various critters, including skunks.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about skunk mating season and ways to keep these smelly critters away from your home:
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Skunk Mating Season in Tennessee: The article mentions that skunks will be a common sight in Powell, Knoxville, Friendsville, and across Tennessee from now until spring. During this time, skunks are actively searching for places to set up dens, mate, and give birth to their annual litter of 2-16 kits. This indicates a seasonal behavior pattern in skunks, which is crucial for understanding their movements and potential encounters with residential areas.
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Skunk Behavior and Dens: Skunks are highlighted as skilled diggers with sharp claws. They are likely to turn exposed holes in yards and gardens into dens. The article recommends filling these holes with dirt, decorative rocks, or using mesh fencing to deter skunks from creating dens on the property. Understanding skunk behavior, particularly their nesting habits, is essential for effective prevention.
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Pet Food as Attraction: The article suggests that skunks love pet food, especially crunchy kibble. It advises feeding outdoor pets indoors during skunk mating season to eliminate the possibility of spilled food in the yard, which can attract skunks. This emphasizes the importance of managing pet food to reduce wildlife interactions.
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Securing Trash Cans: Similar to raccoons, skunks are described as curious and determined when it comes to accessing food sources. The article recommends securing trash cans and recycling bins with bungee cords or snap-shut lids to make them wildlife-proof. Elevating trash cans off the ground is also suggested, showcasing the need for proactive measures to prevent scavenging.
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Deterring Skunks with Loud Noises: The article advises making loud, scary noises if rustling sounds are heard in the yard. This is aimed at startling skunks and encouraging them to move on, especially if they haven't established a den. However, caution is emphasized due to the skunks' defensive spray ability, highlighting the importance of understanding the risks associated with deterring wildlife.
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Professional Skunk Removal Services: The article promotes the services of Critter Wranglers for skunk removal. It emphasizes the importance of professional intervention to ensure quick, efficient, and humane removal, reducing the risks of getting sprayed or injured during a DIY attempt.
In summary, the article covers seasonal skunk behavior, preventive measures for homeowners, and the importance of professional wildlife removal services. These insights are crucial for individuals looking to coexist with urban wildlife while safeguarding their homes and properties.
