What Are Skunks? How to Identify Them
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What are skunks? They are black-and-white animals famous for one thing: their smelly spray. About the size of a house cat, skunks live across the GTA — including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and Milton. They are shy and try to avoid people. But when a skunk feels scared or trapped, it sprays a strong-smelling liquid that is very hard to wash off skin, clothes, and pets.
You can identify a skunk by:
- Colour: Black fur with white stripes running down the back. Some skunks have white spots instead of stripes.
- Size: About as big as a house cat — 15 to 30 inches long including the tail, weighing 4 to 12 pounds.
- Tail: Big, bushy tail that stands up when the skunk feels threatened.
- Smell: A strong, bad odour near your home — especially at night — is the clearest sign a skunk is close.
Learn more about living with skunks from the Toronto Wildlife Centre.
Skunk Habits and Behaviour
5 Signs of Skunks on Your Property
- Strong bad smell around your home, especially at night
- Small cone-shaped holes dug in your lawn (skunks dig for grubs)
- Garbage cans knocked over or trash scattered
- Five-toed tracks near gardens, decks, or fences
- A den under your deck, porch, or shed — look for a dug-out opening
What Attracts Skunks to Your Yard
So, what are skunks after when they visit your yard? Easy food and shelter: open garbage cans, pet food left outside overnight, grubs living in the grass, and open spaces under decks or sheds. Fallen fruit from trees also brings them in. If your yard has these, skunks have a reason to stay.
How to Keep Skunks Away: 6 Simple Tips
- Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids — lock them if you can
- Bring pet food and water bowls inside at night
- Treat your lawn for grubs (their favourite food)
- Seal gaps under decks, porches, and sheds with strong wire mesh
- Pick up fallen fruit from your yard regularly
- Turn on outdoor lights at night — skunks prefer the dark
Wondering what are skunks afraid of? Bright lights and strong smells top the list — which is exactly why the tips above work.
Humane Skunk Removal in the GTA
Never try to trap or chase a skunk yourself. You will likely get sprayed, and skunks can carry rabies — a trapped, scared skunk is dangerous. A professional removes skunks safely and humanely, then seals entry points so they cannot come back. Acme Pest Solutions offers humane skunk removal across the GTA, including Milton, Mississauga, Brampton, and Toronto. We find the den, remove the animals safely, and close off entry points for good. Still asking “what are skunks doing under my deck?” Call 416-453-2444 for a free quote.
Our Guarantee
Acme Pest Solutions is dedicated to providing exceptional pest control services focusing on customer satisfaction. We aim to exceed industry standards by delivering high-quality work. We stand behind our work with a guarantee for each job completed, giving customers peace of mind. We are committed to ensuring seamless and high-quality service and will return to make things right if any issues arise.
Skunk FAQs
What should I do if a skunk sprays my dog?
Keep your dog outside so the smell does not spread indoors. Check their eyes — if they look red or irritated, rinse gently with clean water. Wash your dog with a mix of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a drop of dish soap, then rinse well. This works far better than tomato juice. If your dog was bitten or scratched, call your vet right away.
Do skunks come out during the day?
Skunks are nocturnal, so they are mostly active at night. A skunk out during the day is not always sick — mothers with babies sometimes look for food in daylight. Still, keep your distance and never approach it. If it looks confused, aggressive, or unsteady on its feet, call a professional, as these can be signs of rabies.
Will skunks leave on their own?
Sometimes. Skunks often use a den for only a few weeks before moving on. But if they find easy food and shelter in your yard, they will stay and may come back every year. The safest long-term fix is to remove food sources, seal entry points under decks and sheds, and call a professional if skunks have settled in.