Springtime in B.C. means flowers, longer days—and sometimes, uninvited furry guests. If your yard suddenly smells like burnt rubber and garlic, congratulations—you may have a skunk tenant. Skunks showing up in backyards and taking up residence isn’t unusual in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. If you suspect one has picked your property, here’s what to look for and how to deal with it.
Why Skunks Choose Your Property
Like many prey animals, skunks look for dark, quiet shelters away from predators to build their dens. Unfortunately for residents of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, decks, crawlspaces, and sheds make perfect Skunk-houses. Your yard may be especially inviting to skunks if it offers:
- Unsecured garbage or compost
- Pet food left outside
- Lawns rich in insects or grubs
- Openings under buildings or structures
Once a skunk settles in, it can be difficult to remove without the right tools and expertise.
Signs a Skunk May Be Living Nearby
The infamous musky smell of a frightened skunk is a dead giveaway. But you may notice more subtle signs first like:
- Small holes dug in your lawn or garden
- Knocked-over garbage bins
- Scratching or rustling noises under your home or shed
- A glimpse of black and white fur slipping under the deck at dusk or early morning
Noticing these signs? It’s smart to get a wildlife pro involved before things escalate. No one wants a surprise skunk encounter.
Safe and Responsible Skunk Removal
Skunks are protected under British Columbia’s wildlife laws, which means they must be handled carefully and humanely. That’s why many homeowners rely on AAA Wildlife, a trusted provider of skunk removal services in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Our team follows a safe, well-tested approach to gently evict skunks and make sure they don’t come back. The steps include:
- Inspection
We start by identifying the skunk’s den and checking your property for other entry points. - Installation of a One-Way Door
A special door is placed at the skunk’s main exit. This allows the animal to leave safely but not return. - Sealing Entry Points
After confirming the skunks have left, we seal off access points to prevent future nesting. - Cleanup and Prevention Tips
We can also provide guidance on how to make your property less appealing to wildlife.
Why DIY Skunk Removal Can Backfire
Trying to remove a skunk on your own can be dangerous. Skunks may spray if they feel threatened, and separating a mother skunk from her babies can create more problems. Besides, trapping and relocating wildlife without proper training can be illegal in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
When you bring in an expert skunk removal team, the job gets done right, and no one gets sprayed in the process.
Contact AAA Wildlife for Professional Skunk Removal
The sooner you act, the easier the removal process will be. If you’ve noticed signs of skunks on your property contact AAA Wildlife. We have over 35 years of experience serving Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, and we specialize in safe, humane wildlife control. Call us at 604-685-6888 or book your appointment online.
Skunks are not houseguests you want to keep around. Let AAA Wildlife help you solve the problem quickly and professionally.
