What Are Some Signs That You Have A Skunk Under Your Shed Or Porch?

It is common to find unwanted pests and rodents on your property. Unfortunately, some are of a nuisance than others. Some of these pests and rodents can cause property damage or even present a danger to the family.

One such pest is a skunk. Skunks will often take up residence under a porch or shed because they live in burrows. They typically dig a burrow or den with their sharp front claws.

Skunks are solitary animals unless they have given birth. Depending on the season, there is a chance you may have an entire skunk family living under your porch or shed.



Signs of a Skunk Presence

Since skunks have poor vision, they are not commonly seen during the daylight hours. They forage for food at night, usually, depending on their keen sense of smell and hearing. This means that you will likely notice other signs before you actually see these animals.

The biggest dead give-away of a skunk presence is the smell. Skunks generally smell bad, whether they have sprayed or not. If you notice a pungent odor that persists in these areas, its time to look for other signs.

Another sign you may have a skunk is the presence of small round holes in the yard or garden. Skunks dig to look for food. They leave behind circular holes in the ground where ever they go.

Skunks can also leave signs in the grass. They love eating grubs and insects that live under the grass. As they are foraging, they roll back the grass to get at the tasty morsels underneath. If you notice small sections of your grass have been rolled back, a skunk may have been foraging for food.

The last sure give away of a skunk is your household pets. If your dogs seem to bark persistently, especially at night, they may be barking at a skunk. Never let your dog loose after a skunk. Skunks are unpredictable when threatened.

Skunk Hazards

Besides the horrible stench, skunks create other hazards as well. They commonly carry rabies, which can be transmitted to humans and household pets. One bite or scratch is all it takes. Skunks can carry other harmful diseases as well.

While their foul spray is their best defense, they can be unpredictable and aggressive if scared. If a skunk has a litter of young, they may be even more unpredictable and aggressive. It is always best to call a professional if you don’t have experience dealing with these animals.


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