Skunks seeking shelter often find the dark, enclosed space beneath trailers an ideal habitat. Getting rid of them requires a multi-pronged approach combining prevention, humane deterrents, and careful execution to avoid being sprayed and to ensure the skunks don’t simply relocate elsewhere.
Understanding the Problem: Why Skunks Choose Under Trailers
Skunks are opportunistic creatures, constantly searching for food, water, and shelter. Trailers, with their elevated platforms and often unsealed undersides, provide several attractive features:
- Protection from the elements: The underside offers refuge from rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
- Predator avoidance: It’s difficult for larger predators like coyotes or dogs to reach them under the trailer.
- Quiet and dark: Skunks prefer dark, secluded spaces to sleep and raise their young.
- Potential food sources: Dropped food scraps, pet food, or access to insects can all attract skunks.
Identifying why skunks are attracted to your specific trailer is the first step in effectively removing them.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Skunk Removal
Here’s a detailed plan to remove skunks from under your trailer humanely and safely:
1. Identification and Observation
Before taking any action, confirm that skunks are indeed the culprits. Look for these signs:
- Distinctive odor: The unmistakable smell of skunk spray.
- Digging: Skunks dig shallow holes in search of insects or grubs.
- Tracks: Small, five-toed footprints with visible claws.
- Droppings: Similar in size to cat droppings.
- Sightings: Obviously, directly seeing a skunk entering or exiting the space.
Once you’ve confirmed the presence of skunks, observe their behavior for a few days. Determine where they are entering and exiting, and the approximate times they are active. This information is crucial for effective exclusion.
2. Exclusion Techniques: The Key to Long-Term Success
Exclusion is the most effective long-term solution. This involves physically preventing the skunks from re-entering the space.
- Seal Entry Points: Carefully inspect the perimeter of your trailer for any gaps, holes, or openings. Use durable materials like hardware cloth (1/4 inch mesh), sheet metal, or concrete to seal these entry points. Pay close attention to areas around pipes, wiring, and the trailer’s skirting. This is the most critical step.
- One-Way Doors: A humane one-way door can be installed over the main entry point. This allows skunks to exit but prevents them from re-entering. These doors are available at hardware stores or online. Important: Ensure no skunk pups are trapped inside before installing the door.
- Skirting Repair: Repair or replace any damaged or missing skirting. This provides a physical barrier against skunks and other pests.
- Trenching: Consider digging a shallow trench (6-12 inches deep) around the perimeter of the trailer and burying hardware cloth vertically. This creates an underground barrier that prevents skunks from digging under the trailer.
3. Deterrents: Discouraging Skunks from Returning
While exclusion is the primary defense, deterrents can help discourage skunks from returning after they’ve been removed.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These devices spray water when motion is detected, startling skunks and deterring them from approaching the area.
- Bright Lights: Skunks prefer dark environments. Strategically placed bright lights can make the area less appealing.
- Scent Deterrents: Skunks are sensitive to strong smells. Consider using commercially available skunk repellents or homemade solutions like citrus peels, mothballs (use with caution due to potential toxicity), or rags soaked in ammonia. Never use these deterrents inside the trailer.
- Noise Deterrents: Loud noises can scare skunks away. Consider using a radio playing talk radio at a moderate volume.
4. Professional Assistance: When to Call the Experts
If you’re uncomfortable handling skunks yourself, or if you’ve tried the above methods without success, it’s best to call a professional wildlife removal service.
- Expertise and Experience: Professionals have the knowledge and experience to safely and effectively remove skunks.
- Humane Trapping and Relocation: They can trap and relocate skunks humanely, ensuring the animals are not harmed. Important: Relocation laws vary by location; ensure the company follows all legal requirements.
- Preventative Measures: Professionals can also advise you on how to prevent future skunk infestations.
5. Post-Removal Cleanup: Eliminating Attractants
After removing the skunks, it’s essential to clean up the area to eliminate any lingering attractants.
- Remove Food Sources: Remove any pet food, birdseed, or other potential food sources.
- Clean Up Debris: Clear away any debris, such as fallen leaves, brush piles, or woodpiles, that could provide shelter.
- Disinfect the Area: Disinfect any areas where skunks have been present to eliminate odors and bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Will mothballs really get rid of skunks?
Mothballs can act as a temporary deterrent, but their effectiveness is limited, and they pose health risks. While the strong odor may discourage skunks, it also poses a risk to humans and pets, particularly children, due to their toxicity. Use them sparingly and cautiously, or opt for safer, more humane alternatives.
FAQ 2: What’s the best humane trap for skunks?
A live trap, baited with peanut butter or cat food, is a common humane option. Choose a trap specifically designed for small animals, ensuring it’s sturdy and has a solid bottom. Cover the trap with a blanket or tarp to make it more appealing to the skunk. Exercise extreme caution when approaching a trapped skunk to avoid being sprayed.
FAQ 3: How do I know if there are baby skunks under my trailer?
If you suspect baby skunks, listen for high-pitched squeaking or chirping sounds. Observe the area carefully for any signs of a mother skunk repeatedly entering and exiting. Do not attempt to remove the mother skunk if babies are present. Wait until the young are old enough to leave on their own, typically around 8 weeks old, or contact a professional.
FAQ 4: What should I do if my pet gets sprayed by a skunk?
Use a specialized skunk odor removal shampoo or a homemade solution of 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Avoid getting the mixture in your pet’s eyes. Rinse thoroughly. Never use bleach, as it can damage your pet’s fur and skin.
FAQ 5: How can I prevent skunks from digging under my trailer’s foundation?
Install a physical barrier by burying hardware cloth (1/4 inch mesh) vertically along the perimeter of the trailer, extending at least 6-12 inches below ground. This will prevent skunks from digging underneath.
FAQ 6: Are there any plants that deter skunks?
While no plant is a guaranteed deterrent, skunks tend to avoid strong-smelling plants like lavender, citrus trees, and marigolds. Planting these around your trailer may help to discourage them.
FAQ 7: Is it safe to try to scare a skunk away?
Scaring a skunk can be risky, as they may spray in self-defense. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises. Back away slowly and give the skunk space to escape.
FAQ 8: How long does it take for skunks to leave on their own?
If left undisturbed, skunks may eventually leave on their own, but this can take several weeks or even months. During this time, they may cause significant damage to your trailer. Exclusion techniques are a more reliable and timely solution.
FAQ 9: What are the legal regulations regarding skunk removal in my area?
Check with your local animal control or wildlife authorities to understand the specific regulations regarding skunk removal and relocation in your area. Some jurisdictions may prohibit trapping or relocating skunks.
FAQ 10: How much does it cost to hire a professional to remove skunks?
The cost of professional skunk removal can vary depending on the extent of the infestation, the location, and the services provided. Expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $500 or more.
FAQ 11: How do I clean up skunk spray around my trailer?
Use a solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to disinfect the area. Be cautious when using bleach, and wear gloves and eye protection. Rinse thoroughly with water after disinfecting. Do not use this solution on plants or vegetation.
FAQ 12: How can I be sure the skunks won’t return after I remove them?
The key is to implement a comprehensive prevention plan that includes sealing all entry points, eliminating food sources, and using deterrents. Regularly inspect your trailer for any signs of skunk activity and take immediate action to address any problems. Consistent vigilance is crucial for long-term success.