How to Get Rid of Skunks: Animal Control Offers Tips

As the beginning of fall approaches and we see an increase of leaves on the ground, there will also be an uptick of skunk sightings.

Skunk activity in the Chicagoland area always rises during the fall as species look to gain extra weight while preparing for winter. But before they become a problem, there are many ways you can prevent them from hitting your line of eyesight, or worse, other senses.

“Skunks will burrow under sheds, homes, businesses, porches, decks, crawlspaces and woodpiles to create a home,” according to a news release from the city of Evanston Police Department’s Animal Control Bureau. “They will enter foundation openings to get to these spots or to create skunk holes. In urban areas, skunks can also be found in industrial parks, railroad tracks, high tension power line tracts or park areas with large open areas.”

Exclusion is a common way to prevent them from invading your property. Eliminate all possible sites of habituation and they won’t be able to build their dens. “Remove the den sites under and around structures such as garages and homes. Seal all possible entrances along the foundation, but leave the main burrow entrance open.”

Some other ways you can keep them away:

• Sprinkle a thin layer of flour two feet in circumference on the ground in front of a suspected opening to a skunk den. After dark, examine the flour for tracks that indicate the skunk has left to feed. If tracks are not present, reexamine the area in about an hour. After the den is empty, cover the entrance(s) immediately. Cover all openings with wire mesh, sheet metal or concrete. Bury fencing 1- 1/2 to two feet in areas where skunks could gain access by digging. Reopen one of the entrances the next day for one hour after dark to allow any remaining skunks to exit before permanently sealing the entrance, particularly in the months of May and June when baby skunks may still be in the den.
• Make sure to always keep outside garbage cans tightly sealed and do not leave pet food outdoors as it can be a food source for skunks. This will help avoid the temptation for skunks to frequent or to inhabit a particular area.