Get matched with top animal fencing pros in Walkerville, MT

Skunks spray as a defense mechanism to ward off predators. The active ingredient in their sulfurous, oily musk is n-butyl mercaptan, which evaporates into a powerful and smelly gas. Once the spray hits the skunk’s target, the stench can linger for days, and water and common cleaning kits aren’t enough to wash it away.

If you happen upon a skunk in your yard, try to back away slowly to reduce the chance of them aiming at you. Encouragingly, they don’t use their weapon casually, as it can take up to 10 days for their life-saving weaponry to refill. Paw stamping, hissing, lifting their tail, and arching their back are early signs they feel trapped or under threat and that it’s time to make a careful retreat.

The best way to permanently get rid of skunks is by setting up deterrents around your property to keep skunks out. Get rid of skunks permanently by:

• Not leaving food or water outside

• Installing a motion-sensor sprinkler system

• Installing fencing that’s at least 3 feet high and a foot deep

• Adding motion-sensor lights in the yard

• Cleaning up brush, sticks, woodpiles, and leaves on your property so skunks can’t use the materials for a nest

• Seal up cracks and holes around your property to prevent skunks from building a den

• Placing fresh lemon peels around the perimeter of your home

Costs depend on infestation severity, business size, treatment type, and frequency of service.

While you may be hearing squirrels running around your attic at night, these animals are usually more active during the day. If you hear scratching sounds in your attic at night, it’s mostly likely a mouse, raccoon, or bat. Investigate your roof, attic, and other entrances to your home to find signs that indicate the presence of squirrels or other pests.