Removing A Skunk In The Basement

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Skunks are creatures that can be a real nuisance when they get into a domestic property, and while they have adapted well to scavenging from the areas around human settlements, they are certainly not very good neighbors. One of the biggest problems is the fact that skunks can produce a foul smelling musk that is very difficult to remove, and they can spray this accurately when they perceive a threat from another animal or a person. Knowing what to do to remove skunks is important, but if you are at all nervous or cautious around this kind of work, it can also be better to get a professional to carry out the work for you.



Signs That You Have Skunks Around Your Property

While the most obvious sign that you have a skunk in the area is if there is a significant smell from a particular area or pet that has been sprayed, there are other signs that can give you an idea that there are skunks present. One of the main things will be signs of scavenging, as they will often raid nearby garbage bags or pet food sacks in order to gain access to the food inside. If you have a lawn, signs of shallow holes being dug in the surface of the lawn can also be a sign there is a skunk present, as they will often dig to catch small insects beneath the surface of the lawn.

Trapping And Removing A Skunk

The best way to deal with a skunk is to catch it and then to transport it to another location at least ten miles away from your property, and a cage trap is the best way to do this. You can use bacon, a strongly scented fish such as sardines or mackerel or cat food as a bait for these animals, which is placed within the trap. This trap should then be placed in an area where you have seen signs of skunk activity, and then you should check it regularly. When it comes to removing the skunk, make sure that you put a blanket over the trap as you move it, and try to do it at an angle where the skunk cannot see you to prevent it from spraying.

Creating A One-Way Exit To Remove A Skunk

Another option if you are only trying to get the animal out of your house is to create a one-way exit from the skunk’s nest. To do this you will need a cage trap which has ends that can be opened, and a sturdy chicken wire to put around the trap. Place the trap over the point the skunk is using to access your basement or other area of the property, and open the one end of the trap facing outwards. Then pin the chicken wire around the hole so the skunk can’t get back in, and set the trap so that when it leaves the basement, the trap closes behind it, thus preventing it from getting back in. Once the skunk has left, seal the hole, and check the area to make sure that there isn’t a nest of skunks to deal with too.

Cleaning And Repairing The Area

Once you’ve made sure the skunk and any baby skunks have been removed, you will often find there are several repairs to carry out, and especially if they have sprayed you will want to try and remove that scent too. There are several commercial products that can help with the scent, while there are also home remedies that can help in some cases too. If the skunk did gain access to the attic, or a confined space, make sure you also fumigate the area with a disinfectant spray to ensure that any bacteria or spores are also neutralized.
For more information, you may want to click on one of these guides that I wrote:
How much does skunk removal cost? - get the lowdown on prices.
How to get rid of skunks - my main skunk removal info guide.