Skunks are well-known yard pests in Canada, famous for their distinct black-and-white colouring—and a powerful smell! Though they’re generally timid creatures, they can pose significant issues when they make their dens near both residential and commercial structures. However, because they are fur-bearing mammals, their control and management may be regulated by the Canada Wildlife Act. Here’s everything you need to know about identifying, avoiding and safely managing skunks on your property.

Identifying Skunk Dens

Skunks don’t hibernate; insted, they often reside in abandoned burrows created by other animals or hollow tree trunks or logs. They also make dens under decks, porches, sheds and crawlspaces. Skunks use these dens as temporary homes to give birth in spring or to keep warm in winter. While skunks are usually solitary, they can gather in larger numbers during colder months, with some dens hosting up to 20 skunks altogether. They may also find shelter in rock heaps, wood piles and crawlspaces. Of course, skunk dens can also be identified by that familiar skunk odour, as an occupied den will have a more intense smell. However, nearby droppings, freshly dug or “turned” dirt can also be an identifier.

Why Do Skunks Spray?

Skunks spray as a defence mechanism when they feel threatened—protecting themselves and their young. Their spray is a sulphur-based, yellowish oil that can linger in the air and on surfaces. A direct hit to clothes, hair or skin can last for days.

How To Avoid Skunk Sprays

Each skunk can spray up to six times in succession, and it can reach up to four to six metres! Because of this, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for signs that a skunk is getting ready to spray:

  • Stamping their front feet
  • Raising their tails
  • Hissing or growling
  • Making short, sudden charges

Tip: If you spot any of these signs, quietly and slowly back away, and be sure to remove your pet as well. To avoid close encounters with skunks altogether, contact the wildlife removal specialists at Orkin Canada.

A striped skunk with its tail raised stands on grass, suggesting a defensive posture

Do Skunks Make Noise?

Your nose will always tell you when a skunk is around, but did you know they’re also capable of making various sounds? Skunks communicate with each other, and when they’re disturbed or defensive, they can make noises like:

  • Growling – Like any dog, they growl when they feel threatened or defensive
  • Squealing – Whenever injured or in pain
  • Hissing or Cooing – This is especially common in female skunks protecting their young
  • Stomping Noises – They stamp their feet to warn off potential danger or threat
  • Scratching or Tapping – Use their claws when foraging or digging

Since skunks are nocturnal, you’re more likely to hear these sounds at night if they’re close to your home.

Are Skunks Good Climbers?

Whether a skunk can climb depends on its type. Striped skunks are not great climbers. Their sturdy bodies and strong legs are built more for digging. They often forage near the ground for insects and small animals and aren’t likely to end up in attics or chimneys. Spotted skunks, on the other hand, are smaller and more agile climbers. These skunks may enter attics or climb trees to access food sources like beehives.

If you see a skunk around your property, identifying which type it is can give clues about where they might nest or forage.

Common Skunk/Pest Nuisance Behaviours

Skunks, especially striped ones, dig under porches, sheds and other structures for shelter. They’re also attracted to food sources, like garbage, pet food, birdseed and fruit and vegetable gardens. Some problematic behaviours to watch for include:

  • Digging Under Fences or Barriers – Skunks can burrow up to a foot underground, allowing them to bypass most fences, which can cause significant property damage.
  • Raiding Chicken Coops – They may dig under chicken coop fences to access eggs, a favourite snack.
  • Foraging in Gardens and Trash Cans – Skunks are opportunistic feeders and will forage where they find easy food sources.
  • Digging Up Lawns, Gardens and Flower Beds – When hunting for insects, grubs and edible roots, they burrow coin-sized holes in lawns and gardens.
  • Loud Noises – They can create a ruckus at night, which can be unsettling – and even quite annoying – when you’re trying to sleep.
  • Spraying – Poses health risks to people, pets and property.

Skunks And Health Risks

Skunks pose several health risks to people and pets, especially when they establish dens near your home. They’re known carriers of rabies, can spread other diseases and harbour parasites like ticks, fleas, and mites. While they’re generally not aggressive, skunks may spray if they feel threatened.

“Skunk spray is a health hazard because it is so potent. It can cause severe eye irritation or even temporary blindness if it gets directly in the eyes and can irritate skin, making it itchy. The strong odour can also induce nausea and vomiting. If the spray is directly inhaled, it can cause respiratory stress resulting in shortness of breath and coughing.” – Alice Sinia, Ph.D., MSc, Quality Assurance Manager at Orkin Canada

How To Keep Skunks Away

Skunks can be challenging to manage, but there are some steps you can take to make your property less appealing:

  • Remove Food Sources – Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids, remove pet food and clean up any fallen fruit from trees.
  • Exclude Possible Den Sites & Entry Points – To prevent skunks from nesting, Close off spaces under porches, sheds and decks.
  • Use Fencing with Buried Edges – Fences should be at least 1m in height and 15cm below ground to prevent digging. This is recommended for gardens, flowerbeds and other landscapes.

If skunks are still hanging around your property, contact Orkin Canada to discuss safe and humane removal options.

How To Safely Remove Skunk Dens

Skunks are persistent diggers. If you notice a possible den in your yard, there are ways to test it. Start by filling part of the suspected entrance with loose dirt; if it’s been reopened after a few days, skunks have probably moved in. To keep them out, try using fencing or completely sealing off access points. If the den is currently occupied by a mother skunk and her young, it’s important to allow babies time to leave before sealing it up permanently. For safe, humane removal, consult a trained wildlife specialist such as Orkin Canada.

An Orkin Pro conducting a wildlife inspection with a clipboard in a bright, landscaped garden

Skunk Removal From Orkin Canada

Orkin Canada has a team of experts and experienced wildlife professionals who can provide safe and effective pest control if you suspect you have skunk activity in or around your home. We have both commercial and residential wildlife removal specialists who work diligently to humanely remove wildlife from your property. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a free home estimate.