Austin Area Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc.

info@austinareawildliferehab.org

Skunks

The best long-term solution to managing skunk problems is to prevent them from happening. Yards that are kept clean are less attractive to skunks. Remove all debris where skunks could find shelter or food (insects or small rodents). These include old boards lying on the ground, rocks, junk and stacked lumber or trash piles. Remove food sources by taking away exposed pet food and keeping garbage in sealed containers

Most skunks can be prevented from digging and denning under foundations, porches or buildings by sealing all openings. Use sturdy wire mesh hardware cloth (1/4- or 1/2-inch mesh) to tightly seal holes in foundations, under porches, vents near ground level or other areas where a skunk could enter. The wire mesh should be buried 12 to 18 inches underground if the skunk could gain access by digging. The bottom six inches should be bent outward in an "L" shape to prevent skunks from digging under it.

If you know skunks are living under a house, porch, or other structure, you can exclude them from reentering. Wait until after dark when the skunk has left to seek food. Examine the dirt at the den entrance. Fresh tracks indicate the skunk has left for the evening. If you do not see tracks easily, sprinkle fine sand or flour at the entrance as a visual aid. Once the skunks are gone, seal the entrance and any other opening completely.* Be sure to follow the preventative measures mentioned previously.

*If a skunk is denning in late winter/early spring, it may be a female with babies. Make the den uninhabitable by placing a spotlight and a radio tuned to a talk station in the area to encourage her to move her family. Sprinkle flour at the den entrance and observe for tracks to be sure the den has been abandoned before sealing.

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