Skunk Removal
2018 Update to Pest Wildlife Management

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Wildlife Removal Company


Safely Removing Skunks

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Skunks are often classified as a pest species because of their odor, and sometimes, digging. The most common complaints include the following: Skunk is living under deck or porch, Skunk has sprayed the area, Skunk has sprayed a pet and Skunks are digging holes in lawn.For all these reasons, lots of people want to have this nuisance animal trapped and removed. However, trappers must be careful to avoid being sprayed.

SKUNK REMOVAL: Your very best option is to trap the skunks in live cage traps, and remove them. It's actually pretty simple to do, and safer and more effective than attempting to kill the skunks. You may be concerned about the skunk spraying you, but it is quite simple to prevent that. And just so that you know, there's simply no skunk repellent spray (ironic!) powder, or apparatus that'll keep them away. But if you trap and relocate them at least five miles from of your home, that should resolve the issue. You can either hire a professional to do this for you (laws may keep you from doing it yourself anyway) and that way you do not need to worry about getting sprayed, and if you would like to attempt to do it yourself, I've written a complete guide that you can read on how to trap skunks here. If the skunk has dropped down a window well or cellar, you might want to have a pro trap it for you, or you may place a wooden plank down the window and the skunk should have the ability to climb out.

They are generally attracted to live under decks, porches, sheds and such. You want to set up an exclusion barrier around the perimeter of the deck, so that they can not crawl under it. Needless to say, do not leave out pet food, or some other food that will attract skunks. If you would like to hire a professional wildlife trapper to trap the skunks or put in an expert exclusion barrier for you, click on this nationally map of Professional Wildlife Removal Firms , and you will get a specialist in your town or city.

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SKUNK BIOLOGY: The Striped Skunk (Mephitis) weighs from 4-10 lbs and is 24-30 inches long. The Striped Skunk includes two white bands that run from the head and down either side of the body. They don't form long partnerships, and partner in late February, and young are born in May. They follow around the mother, and after they are a year old, they leave to stay by themselves. They generally only live 2-4 years in the wild, but can live over a dozen years in captivity. There are additional skunk species also, like the Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius) that is smaller but similar in behavior. These skunks will really perform a handstand when spraying.

SKUNK BEHAVIOR: Skunks are largely nocturnal, and forage at night for an assortment of foods. They are omnivores, eating both plants and animals, but actually appear to prefer insects. They don't fully hibernate, but action is extremely low throughout the winter. They often communicate via scent marking, and the males will often spray during mating season. Skunks are famous for their defense strategy - when threatened, they will arch their back, lift the tail, and release an extremely odiferous liquid from special glands near the anus. This sulphurous compound isn't only offensive to the nose, but it can cause temporary blindness in a person or another animal. Many animals avoid skunks because of this defense strategy, and it is actually often birds such as hawks and owls that prey on skunks, because these birds lack a sense of smell.

If you or your pet (usually a dog) is sprayed by a skunk, do not bother using the old tomato juice bath. It will not help. The best way to eliminate the odor is to combine hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and liquid dish soap, and shampoo the dog (or person) with that.

Skunks often inhabit homes. They will live under sheds, porches, decks, etc.They can spray or odor mark these areas, making an unpleasant stench. Lots of people don't like skunks in the house, due to fear of stumbling across one and getting sprayed. There is also the matter of pet/skunk battle. Additionally, they could actually do a great deal of digging, and damage a yard.