Skunks in Merrimack

What Are Skunks?

Small furry mammals about the size of a housecat, skunks are easy to identify because of their white and black color pattern. Though their color pattern is striking, skunks are best known for the foul liquid they spray from glands at the base of their tail.  Skunks are always an unwelcome sight on any property and are unfortunately found living throughout Massachusetts and all of New England. 

Are Skunks Dangerous?

Skunks are dangerous pests and only live outside in the wild, away from people and our property. The most significant concern with these pests is that they are one of the major carriers of rabies. They also carry many other diseases, including tularemia and leptospirosis.

Other reasons why skunks are so unwanted in our yards is because of the following reasons:

• When skunks burrow under sheds, foundations, and decks, they cause structural damage and put themselves near your family and pets. When threatened, they won't hesitate to spray their foul odor.
• Skunks dig up lawns while searching for insects to feed on.
• They will damage gardens as they feed on the plants and vegetables inside them.
• If trash is not put into containers with locking lids, they will tear through the trash bags and create a large mess.

Why Do I Have a Skunk Problem?

Properties near wooded areas, fields, pastures, or meadows tend to have the biggest problems with skunks and other wild animals. Skunks have learned that our properties often provide reliable food sources and places to hide to keep them safe.

Where Will I Find Skunks?

Outside, skunks burrow inside the ground or objects to help protect them from the elements and predators. Hollow logs, fallen trees, culverts, and spaces under dense piles of brush or shrubbery are some favorite burrowing sites.

Our homes and outbuildings are also some of a skunk’s favorite burrowing sites. They will dig into the soil under foundations, sheds, and decks and make themselves a cozy home.

If you have a skunk on your property, you will likely see them at dusk or dawn. At first sight of these pests, it is best to contact a professional and remove them from your property as quickly as possible.

How Do I Get Rid of Skunks?

To get rid of troublesome, smelly skunks from your Massachusetts or New Hampshire property, trust the local professionals at Freedom Pest Control. We are dedicated to our customers and provide innovative and eco-friendly pest management coupled with friendly and caring customer service. To rid properties of skunks, our knowledgeable professionals will trap and humanely remove them from your property. If you would like to learn more about our total wildlife control services in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, give our professionals a call today!

How Can I Prevent Skunks in the Future?

Keeping pests like skunks away from your New England property is critical so that you can enjoy a safe and secure home and yard. 

The best way to accomplish your goal is to partner with a professional and implement the following prevention tips:

• Place fencing around garden areas and regularly harvest ripe fruits and vegetables from them.
• Place fencing around garden areas.
• Keep tight-fitting lids on trash cans and compost bins. Store them up off the ground and away from the exterior of your home.
• Feed your pets indoors or at least pickup pet food dishes before going to bed each evening.
• Bury fencing into the ground around decks, sheds, and other buildings to help prevent skunks from burrowing under them.
• Remove fallen trees, brush piles, old wood piles, and construction debris from your yard that skunks could live under.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions.