Thunder Bay – LIVING – One of the beauties to living in Thunder Bay is the abundance of wildlife in our city. It is not unusual to see deer, the occasional moose, and even bears in our city. We also have those pesky at times, Skunks, who though beneficial to the ecosystem by controlling insect populations, can become problematic when they wander into residential areas.
Their infamous spray and habit of tearing into garbage make them unwelcome guests for homeowners in our city.
If you’re tired of dealing with tipped over trash cans and rebagging trash bags, and want to prevent these nocturnal visitors from setting up camp in your yard, there are humane and effective ways to deter them.
Understanding Why Skunks Are Attracted to Your Yard
Skunks are opportunistic creatures. They’re attracted to places that provide easy access to food, water, and shelter. If your yard offers any of these, you might be unknowingly inviting them in. The primary reasons skunks are drawn to urban or suburban yards include:
- Food Sources: Skunks are scavengers and will eat anything from pet food left outside to fruit fallen from trees. Garbage cans are also a common target.
- Shelter: They look for secure areas to nest, such as under decks, porches, or sheds.
- Water: Even small puddles or birdbaths can attract them, especially during dry spells.
Understanding these factors is key to preventing skunks from making your yard their home.
Steps to Deter Skunks from Your Yard
- Remove Food Sources: Skunks will eat just about anything, so make sure to clean up food waste. Keep pet food inside, pick up fallen fruit, and store compost in closed containers.
- Eliminate Hiding Spots: Skunks like to hide in dense shrubbery, piles of wood, or beneath structures. Block off access to these areas by filling in gaps under decks or porches with mesh or fencing. Keeping your yard well-maintained and trimmed helps reduce hiding places.
- Secure Your Garbage: Use garbage cans with locking lids or bungee cords to prevent skunks from tearing them open. Ensure the cans are kept in a garage or shed if possible. You can also sprinkle strong-smelling substances like ammonia or cayenne pepper around the area to deter them.
- Install Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers: Skunks are nocturnal animals and prefer dark, quiet areas. A well-lit yard, especially with motion-activated lights, can be enough to scare them away. Motion-activated sprinklers can also be highly effective at keeping them out of your yard.
Skunk-Proofing Your Garbage Cans
Your garbage cans are likely one of the main attractions for skunks, especially if they’re easily accessible or overflowing. Here are some ways to skunk-proof your trash:
- Choose Sturdy Cans with Tight Lids: Opt for metal or heavy-duty plastic garbage cans with secure lids that snap shut. Avoid flimsy plastic cans as they can easily be tipped over or chewed through.
- Use Bungee Cords or Lid Clips: Wrapping bungee cords around your garbage cans can prevent skunks from opening them. Similarly, you can invest in garbage cans with built-in lid clips that lock securely in place.
- Store Trash Indoors Until Pickup: If feasible, keep garbage inside your garage or shed until collection day. This limits the time skunks have access to it.
Humane Skunk Deterrents and Removal Techniques
It’s important to handle skunk-related problems humanely. Here are some additional deterrent methods:
- Use Natural Repellents: Skunks dislike strong scents. Sprinkling cayenne pepper, garlic, or ammonia near garbage cans or around the perimeter of your yard can discourage them from entering. Be sure to reapply after rain. One effective measure is pouring PineSol into your garbage bags.
- Consider Using Ultrasonic Repellents: These devices emit a high-frequency sound that irritates skunks but is inaudible to humans. They are often solar-powered and can cover large areas of your yard.
- Call Wildlife Control: If a skunk has already made a den under your porch or shed, it’s best to call a professional wildlife control service. They can remove the skunk safely and humanely.
Conclusion
Skunks can be an unpleasant visitor to any yard, especially if they’re drawn by garbage or potential nesting spots. By removing food sources, securing trash cans, and using humane deterrents, you can significantly reduce the chances of skunks becoming a recurring problem.
These simple steps will help protect your home from unwanted wildlife while also ensuring that the skunks remain safe and unharmed.
