There are several wildlife species in the Toronto area that are known for invading residential and commercial properties on a regular basis. They are mainly attracted to these properties due to easily accessible food sources and, once they find an easy food source, can find safe places to hide directly on your property.
One of the most common wildlife species found on residential properties in Toronto are skunks. Most people are concerned of skunks mainly due to the odour that they give off, but there are greater reasons for concern when it comes to these pests dwelling on your property. To avoid any dangerous encounters with skunks or any other wildlife that has become too comfortable on your property visit www.pestendmississauga.ca for more information.
This article will examine in detail why skunks are attracted to your property in the first place, some risks associated with having skunks nearby and how to remove and avoid them from living on your property.
Why are skunks attracted to my property?
Like other wildlife species in Toronto, skunks are always on the prowl for an easy food source, and what better place to find this than a residential property away from predators. Residential properties present two viable options for an easy food source, those being:
- Lawns and gardens – Skunks are attracted to lawns, especially during spring and fall when there is a lot of rainfall, resulting in grub larvae coming to the surface to feed on grass roots. This is a very easy food source for them since on residential properties there is usually a vast amount of open space where skunks can dig up the grub larvae which they love eating. They are also attracted to home gardens where they can pick and choose from a variety of fruits and vegetable to eat.
- Garbage and compost – An even easier and more prevalent food source on residential properties for skunks and other wildlife is the contents of your garbage and compost. If they have an easy way to get into your garbage or compost bin, which they usually do, skunks will not hesitate to have a feast.
Once a skunk and it’s family finds an easy food source on your lawn or your garbage, they will continue to come back as long as that source is available. They may even make a home somewhere on your property to be near the food at all times.
Where skunks can make a den on my property
If a skunk finds an easy source of food on your property they will next look for a place to build a den. Since they are burrowing animals and poor climbers, they will look for a protected area on your property with no foundation to build their den. Some common areas that you can find a skunk family living on your property are beneath a hot tub, under your porch, beneath a shed and beneath an above ground pool to name a few.
Why should I be concerned about skunks on my property?
Skunks are notoriously known for excreting a foul odour from their anal glands, but they can also pose several other threats to humans and their pets, both physical and financial. Having them on your property can present several health concerns for your family and they can also cause damage to your property, which can be quite costly.
Health concerns
When they feel threatened, skunks will warn you by stomping their feet on the ground and raising their back end towards you. This is a warning sign that they are about to spray you with a very foul smelling liquid. If the spray makes contact with your eyes you will feel a burning sensation and should wash it out with cold water immediately.
In rare cases, rabies infested skunks may become aggressive if they feel there is an immediate threat. Like other animals with rabies, if an infected skunk bites you or one of your pets the disease can be transmitted and must be treated by a doctor or veterinarian right away.
Damage to your property
If a skunk is attracted to your property they can cause damage which can be costly to you. This is especially the case for newly cared for lawns that are watered more often because skunks will be attracted to the abundance of worms and grubs that come to the surface when it is wet. They will dig holes in your lawn to eat these insects and can also destroy some fruits and vegetables in your garden.
How to remain skunk free
Preventing skunks and other wildlife from living on your property is the best measure to take if you don’t want to risk coming in contact with them. This is, however, easier said than done. Here are some recommendations for keeping your property free of skunks:
- Step 1: Dig a trench 1 ft in depth around any area where they may choose to dig a den under such as around your porch, shed or above ground pool. Once you have dug the trench, place a barrier using wood or steel mesh and cover it with dirt. This will make it very difficult for them to dig their way under the covered areas around your home.
- Step 2: Keep your garbage and compost inside your home or garage until garbage day. If this is not a viable option, make sure to use bins with locking lids and place them in an elevated location to make it out of reach for the skunks
- Step 3: Sprinkle biodegradable soap flakes around your lawn and water it into your lawn. The scent of the soap will confuse the skunks and will mask the smell of grubs and worms which is what attracts them to your lawn in the first place.
- Step 4: Spray some diluted tabasco onto your fruits and vegetable in your garden. This will surely deter skunks from rummaging through your garden.
If your efforts are not successful and a family of skunks decides to move onto your property you should get rid of them right away to avoid any further problems. They are complicated animals so it would be best to hire a professional wildlife removal expert to get the job done in an efficient and humane manner.
