How to Get Rid of Skunks- Safe and Humane Solutions for Calgary Homes

Discover how to get rid of skunks in Calgary with humane, effective techniques. Learn what attracts skunks, signs of their presence, and safe removal options.

Why Skunks Are a Problem in Calgary:

Since Calgary is surrounded by protected wildlife, it is often an easy target for skunks and other unwanted pets and pests. While not particularly bothersome, skunks can still disrupt and even seriously disturb if proper action is not taken against them. They sometimes seek shelter in people’s homes, and spraying them can cause more damage rather than solving things, since they carry the smell with them which can transfer to clothes and other fabrics. Moreover the carry germs and insects with them such as mites and fleas, resulting in their transfer in your house too. In addition, while skunks don’t usually bite, if one does, it can cause rabies and will need to be seriously treated.

Signs of Skunk Near Your Home:

A few signs there may be skunks near your house is that you may see small or even deeply dug holes in your yard or garden. They also have a foul odour, like that of rotten garlic or rubber, along with a visible pair of five claws. If you see claw prints on or near your property on snow, sand, etc. this could be a signal there are skunks lurking in the area. Since they often like to seek shelters under buildings you might hear their sounds occasionally too, especially at night. 

If your dog or other pets come home smelling dreadful, it is a sure sign that there is a skunk nearby since skunks often gas others when they are taken by surprise or feel in danger. Another giveaway sign is that your garbage cans be turned over or your trash bags messed with.

What Attracts Skunk to Your Property?

Skunk enter properties in hopes of finding easy access to food and water. If they find a house with potential food options, such as pet food, insects they can eat, ill covered trash, with easy access they are more likely to stay there. They are also attracted to easy water supplies such as houses with fountains, broken pipes, and water laid out for pets or other stray animals, etc. Moreover, since they seek shelter, they stay at whichever place provides them that. Any place that is quiet will be a good option for the skunk so that they can continue their activities without any potential danger.

How to Get Rid of Skunks Safely:

Since skunks prefer a silent, peaceful environment, a good way to get rid of them if you have skunks in your yard in a humane way is by making their homes feel unwelcome to them. Place a loud, talking radio that plays all day, along with a light near their den, and apply ammonia soaked rags or vinegar so it creates a strong odour. Moreover, if a skunk is living in a den, you can install a one way exclusion door, so that it is able to exit but not enter again. However, avoid doing this during baby season, because the baby skunk might get left behind. Plus, get rid of all food and water supplies for it, so they leave voluntarily.

Precautions When Dealing with Skunks:

One thing you need to be careful about is to not kill them, since killing is forbidden without a permit by law in Alberta. This is why instead of directly killing or relocating them, you must do the above mentioned suggestions or if they don’t work, hire a professional to do it for you. 

Moreover, beware of skunk spray danger, and do not catch them by surprise, because they might get alarmed, and gas you. 

How to Keep Skunks Away:

Some ways to prevent skunks from returning to your property is by sealing anything that might be used as a den by them. This can include decks, sheds, yards, stairs, and so on. However, make sure there are no skunks inside before you do this. Secondly, get rid of all insects and pests such as beetles, larvae, and install bin locks outside your house. Plus get rid of over grown plants and vegetation and any unnecessary sources of water so they are deprived of food and water along with shelter.

Furthermore, you can keep them from entering your property by putting skunk repelling objects outside, such as ammonia, citrus peel, etc. Installing motion activated lights or sprinklers also help to keep them away. In addition, checking out potential hiding places for skunks every now and then can help monitor the situation before it gets out of hand.

Professional Wildlife Control Services:

If you are not sure about how to handle skunks, especially with wildlife protection laws in Alberta, it is best to contact professional wildlife control services. They know how to handle the situation, how to find the skunk/s, and get rid of them in a way that abides by the laws of the state. They would also be aware of how to do it without causing any damage to the property or the surroundings, including the people.

Schedule Your Skunk Appointment Today:

Think you have a skunk in your yard? Book an appointment with us today for your skunk removal.