5 Signs Of A Skunk Problem

Skunks may not often attack people, but their odor can be a nuisance. These pests can also dig up lawns and garden beds, causing a lot of damage to the landscaping. Knowing the signs of a skunk problem can help you know when to get help.

1. Lingering Odor

The most obvious sign of a skunk on the property is the odor. It's important to keep in mind, though, that odor doesn't necessarily mean there is a skunk problem. These animals are nocturnal, and there is a difference between one passing through your yard and one sticking around and causing issues. If you only smell it occasionally, you may not have a problem. An odor that persists, perhaps faintly in the daytime, may indicate a skunk that is denning on your property.

2. Rooting Marks

Skunks feed by snuffling low to the ground, digging out the roots, beetles, and grubs that they prefer. You may notice half-circle divots dug out of the lawn and the garden beds if a skunk has been feeding. Not only are these divots unattractive, but they can also kill plants and lawn grasses. If most of the divots are in the lawn, you may need to treat for both skunks and lawn grub pests. 

3. Burrow Damages

Damage to actual buildings is less common with skunks, but not unheard of. They may break through thin skirting boards to set up a den under a porch or in a crawlspace. It's more likely that they will dig burrows underneath the foundation of a shed or garage, though, or in between the old roots of a stump in the yard. Burrows will be low to the ground with a small opening, in any case.

4. Visible Tracks

The tracks of skunks are relatively easy to spot. Skunks have five toes and their claws leave a small impression in front of each toe track. The back footprint trails just behind the front foot, so it looks like a set of double tracks for each side. Their scat resembles cat droppings, although it is likely to contain easily visible signs of their diet such as berry seeds or beetle shells.

5. Pet Agitation

If you have pets, you may notice that they become agitated once the sun goes down if there is a skunk in the yard. Dogs may scratch at the door or whine to go out, while house cats may become interested in watching out the window. Of course, letting out a pet is simply inviting them to get sprayed, so practice caution if the agitation may be due to skunks. 

Contact a skunk control service for more assistance if a skunk is wreaking havoc in your yard.

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