Keeping Skunks at Bay in Northern Michigan

With the rebirth of spring, a less welcome resurgence occurs in the form of active pests eager to explore and expand their territories. Among these seasonal visitors, skunks pose a unique challenge, known for their distinctive appearance and notorious defense mechanism. As a leading pest control company, we understand the importance of preparing your home or business for the challenges of changing seasons. This article is designed to give you the knowledge and strategies to keep skunks at bay effectively.

At Northern Pest, we combine exclusion, timely repairs, and the strategic use of rat walls to significantly reduce the likelihood of skunks invading your property. Also, be sure to regularly inspect your property for signs of skunk activity or new potential entry points to maintain an effective defense.

Exclusion of Skunks

1. Identify Entry Points: Inspect your property for holes, gaps, or openings around the foundation, vents, and under doors or decks. Skunks can enter through small openings, so it’s crucial to identify all potential entry points.
2. Seal Openings: Use sturdy materials like metal mesh, hardware cloth, or aluminum flashing to seal off any openings. Ensure that the materials are buried at least 1 to 2 feet underground at the base of the foundation or fencing to prevent skunks from digging underneath.
3. Install Exclusion Barriers: For areas that cannot be sealed off completely, such as beneath decks or sheds, install exclusion barriers that extend into the ground to prevent digging. These barriers should slant outward to deter skunks from getting close.

Making Repairs Caused by Skunks

1. Fix Structural Damage: Repair any damage to the exterior of buildings, including broken siding, gaps in roofing, or damaged vents. This not only prevents skunk entry but also enhances overall structural integrity.
2. Secure Garbage and Compost: Skunks are attracted to food sources. Ensure garbage cans have tight-fitting lids and compost bins are securely covered. Consider using bins made of materials that skunks cannot easily penetrate.
3. Remove Attractants: Eliminate food and water sources that may attract skunks, such as pet food left outside, fallen fruit from trees, and accessible water sources like birdbaths or leaky faucets.

Installing ‘Rat Walls’ to Keep Skunks at Bay

1. Installation: Rat walls are underground barriers made of concrete or metal that prevent burrowing animals from digging under structures. Install rat walls around the perimeter of sheds, decks, and other vulnerable structures to a depth of at least 18 inches to 2 feet.
2. Materials: Use durable materials like galvanized steel or reinforced concrete to ensure longevity and resistance against digging.
3. Consider Professional Help: For best results, consider hiring a professional to install rat walls. They can ensure the walls are installed correctly and provide the most effective barrier against skunks and other burrowing wildlife.

If you think you may have a skunk problem, contact Northern Pest; we’ll come out and inspect and make recommendations based on your unique situation.

Northern Pest: Our family serving yours! We are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to offer professional mold mitigation services caused by animal damage. At Northern Pest, we do it all!

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com