Removing Skunks From Under Concrete Patios: A Comprehensive Guide

Skunks are infamous for their foul-smelling spray, which they use when they feel threatened. While they are generally non-aggressive, it is understandable that you may not want them under your concrete patio. There are several ways to remove skunks from your property, including covering prime den locations and deterring them with strong-smelling substances like mothballs, pepper, ammonia, or urine. You can also use fencing, sheet metal, concrete, or chicken wire to prevent skunks from accessing the area.

Seal off openings under the patio with wire mesh, sheet metal or concrete

Skunks can be a nuisance, and if they've taken up residence under your concrete patio, you'll want to take action to remove them and prevent them from returning. One effective method is to seal off any openings under your patio with wire mesh, sheet metal, or concrete. Here's a detailed guide to help you get started:

Identify Entry Points

Before you begin sealing, it's important to locate any openings or gaps that might be providing skunks with access to the underside of your patio. Look for any holes, cracks, or crevices that could serve as potential entry points. Remember to examine not just the patio but also the surrounding area, including the wall framing, siding, and foundation.

Choose Your Material

Once you've identified the entry points, it's time to select the appropriate material for sealing them off. You have three main options: wire mesh, sheet metal, or concrete. Each has its own advantages and considerations:

• Wire Mesh: This is a flexible and cost-effective option. Opt for galvanized hardware cloth with a 1/2-inch mesh size to exclude rats and a 1/4-inch mesh size to exclude mice. Ensure the hardware cloth is woven or welded to maintain its shape when cut to fit around pipes or other objects.
• Sheet Metal: Go for galvanized sheet metal that is 24-gauge or heavier. This provides a sturdy barrier that skunks cannot gnaw through.
• Concrete: For smaller openings, use a concrete mix to fill in the gaps. For larger repairs, you may need to use concrete patching material designed for exterior use.

Seal the Openings

Now it's time to seal off those openings and ensure your patio is skunk-proof:

• For wire mesh and sheet metal, cut the material to size, ensuring it completely covers the opening.
• If using wire mesh, you can fill the gaps behind it with foam caulk or a fast-drying interior patching compound.
• For concrete, mix a quick-drying concrete patching compound and use it to fill in the openings. Smooth the surface afterward for a neat finish.
• If dealing with larger openings, consider using a combination of materials. For example, you could attach wire mesh to the opening and then fill the gaps behind it with concrete.
• Remember to extend the wire mesh or sheet metal at least 12 inches away from the opening to prevent skunks from digging their way in.
• For added protection, bury the wire mesh or sheet metal a few inches underground, bending it at a right angle to deter digging.

Additional Tips:

• If you have loose, sandy soil, increase the depth and length of the wire mesh or sheet metal.
• To prevent skunks from digging, you can also bury hardware cloth or weave it into fences, extending it outward from the structure.
• Combine sealing openings with other skunk deterrence methods, such as removing potential food sources and making your garden less appealing to skunks.

Remove debris, rock and wood piles that may attract skunks

Skunks are attracted to convenient denning sites, such as wood and rock piles, so removing debris, rock, and wood piles is an important step in deterring skunks from taking up residence under your concrete patio.

Skunks are opportunists, attracted to low-hanging fruit like garbage and pet food left out at night. They are also attracted to potential den and burrow locations, such as wood and rock piles, elevated sheds, and openings under concrete slabs. By removing debris, rock, and wood piles, you can make your property less appealing to skunks and reduce the likelihood of an unpleasant encounter.

When removing debris, rock, and wood piles, it is important to wear protective gear, such as gloves and a face mask, to reduce the risk of coming into contact with any bacteria or parasites that may be present. It is also important to dispose of the debris properly, either by burning it or bagging it and disposing of it in a sealed bin.

Additionally, it is important to seal any cracks or openings under the concrete patio that skunks could use to gain entry. This can be done using heavy-gauge galvanised hardware cloth, wire mesh, sheet metal, or concrete. Burying the hardware cloth or mesh a few inches below the ground will also help to prevent skunks from digging their way under the patio.

By taking these steps, you can effectively reduce the attractiveness of your property to skunks and prevent them from taking up residence under your concrete patio.

Use repellents like mothballs, pepper, ammonia or citrus peels

If you're looking for a way to deter skunks from taking up residence under your concrete patio, repellents can be an effective solution. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use repellents like mothballs, pepper, ammonia, or citrus peels to keep skunks at bay:

Mothballs:

• Mothballs have a strong smell that can be effective in repelling skunks.
• Place mothballs around the perimeter of your concrete patio, ensuring they are out of reach of children and pets.
• Be cautious when handling mothballs, as they can be toxic if ingested.

Pepper:

• Sprinkle cayenne pepper on and around the concrete patio.
• Reapply after rain or when you notice the pepper has dissipated.
• You can also use petroleum jelly to adhere the cayenne pepper to plants or surfaces, providing a longer-lasting repellent.
• Be careful to avoid touching your eyes or face after handling the pepper.

Ammonia:

• Soak old rags or cotton balls in ammonia.
• Place the soaked rags or cotton balls under your concrete patio or in areas where skunks are likely to enter.
• Use caution if you have children or pets, as ammonia is toxic and can be dangerous if swallowed or inhaled.
• Remember that ammonia evaporates, so you will need to re-soak the rags or cotton balls once they dry out.

Citrus Peels:

• Collect lemon and orange peels.
• Place the citrus peels around the concrete patio or in areas where skunks may be entering.
• Be aware that citrus peels may attract other types of wildlife, so monitor the area for any unintended visitors.

By using these repellents, you can make the area under your concrete patio less appealing to skunks, encouraging them to find alternative shelter. Remember to always use caution when handling any of these substances, and consider combining multiple repellents for a more comprehensive approach to skunk deterrence.

Make the area less appealing by sprinkling cayenne pepper or using motion-sensing lights

To make the area underneath your concrete patio less appealing to skunks, you can try sprinkling cayenne pepper or installing motion-sensing lights. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive tips to help you keep skunks away:

Using Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is an effective repellent against skunks due to their sensitive sense of smell. Here are some ways to use it:

• Mix cayenne pepper with water in a spray bottle and spritz it around the patio and affected areas.
• Sprinkle pure cayenne pepper flakes in the areas where skunks frequent.
• For a stronger effect, you can also mix the cayenne pepper with petroleum jelly before applying it. This will help it adhere to surfaces and last longer. Just remember to be cautious and avoid touching your eyes or face after handling cayenne pepper.
• Reapply the cayenne pepper solution or flakes after it rains, as water will wash it away.

Installing Motion-Sensing Lights

Skunks are nocturnal and prefer to move around under the cover of darkness. Installing motion-sensing lights can help deter them by exploiting their primal fear of being watched and threatened. Here's how you can use lights effectively:

• Install solar-powered motion-sensing lights, such as the Nite Guard Solar lights, around your patio and affected areas.
• Place the lights approximately 25-50 feet apart and at eye level for a skunk, which is about 10-15 inches off the ground.
• You can also use motion-activated sprinklers, which will spray water at intruders without causing them harm.
• For a more affordable option, try using rope lights to edge your patio or yard.

By combining these methods and persistently applying them, you can effectively make the area underneath your concrete patio less appealing to skunks and encourage them to find shelter elsewhere.

Call a professional to help remove the skunk

If you have a skunk under your concrete patio, it is highly recommended to contact a professional to remove it safely and humanely. Skunks can be a nuisance, and their presence can indicate a serious health risk. They are known carriers of rabies, and their spray can cause temporary blindness in people and pets. They can also transmit other diseases, such as Tularemia and Leptospirosis, which can be dangerous.

Professional skunk removal services are equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle this situation effectively. They will inspect your property, set traps, and relocate the skunk. The average cost for this service ranges from $400 to $500, depending on the location and accessibility of the skunk. Some companies, like Wildlife, Inc., offer free inspections and quotes for their removal services. They also provide additional services, such as recommendations to prevent future skunk intrusions.

It is important to act quickly when dealing with skunks, as they can cause damage to your property. They are known to dig along the edges of structures and take up residence under foundations, porches, and decks. This can lead to structural damage, and the longer they stay, the more extensive the damage may become.

By calling a professional, you can ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and your pets. Skunks are nocturnal and good at hiding, making them difficult to remove without proper training and equipment. Additionally, attempting to remove a skunk on your own may result in you being sprayed, which can be a very unpleasant experience.

When choosing a skunk removal service, look for licensed and certified professionals who adhere to state and municipality regulations. These specialists will be able to handle the situation humanely and effectively, providing you with peace of mind and a skunk-free home.

Frequently asked questions