Identification

Appearance: Skunks are small to medium-sized mammals known for their distinctive black-and-white coloration. They typically have a black body with a white stripe running from their head to their tail. The pattern and width of the stripe can vary among individuals. Skunks have small heads, pointed snouts, and bushy tails.

Size: Adult skunks usually measure between 20 to 30 inches in length, including their tail, and weigh around 4 to 10 pounds.

Behavior

Nocturnal: Active mainly at night, skunks forage for food and are less likely to be seen during the day.

Defensive Mechanism: When threatened, skunks can spray a noxious liquid from glands located under their tails, which can cause temporary blindness and severe discomfort.

Non-aggressive: Skunks are generally docile and avoid confrontation but will defend themselves if cornered or threatened.

Habitat: 

Skunks are highly adaptable creatures, often inhabiting woodlands, grasslands and urban environments. They often make their dens in burrows, hollow logs, or under buildings and decks.

Diet: Skunks are omnivorous creatures, eating everything from insects and other small mammals, birds’ eggs, and fruits/vegetables as they get the chance. They are also known to scavenge from garbage and pet food left outdoors.

Activity: Skunks are primarily nocturnal, being most active at night. They typically live alone except during mating season or while raising young.

Risks and Damage

Spraying: Skunks are well known to spray an unpleasant-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism, often inadvertently coming in contact with human eyes or skin and causing temporary blindness or severe discomfort if coming in direct contact.

Property Damage: Skunks can cause damage by digging up lawns and gardens in search of insects and grubs. They may also burrow under buildings, decks, and sheds, which can undermine structures and cause further damage.

Health Concerns: Skunks may carry diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis, and their droppings and urine can present health risks to both humans and pets.

Control and Prevention

Exclusion: Make sure to seal all entryways around buildings, like gaps under decks, sheds, and foundations. Ensure all garbage cans are locked safely away while pet food should not be left outside for too long.

Habitat Modification: Remove food sources by keeping gardens and lawns free of insects and grubs. Eliminate potential den sites by blocking access to areas under buildings and removing piles of debris or wood.

Trapping and Removal: If a skunk has already taken up residence on your property, professional wildlife control services like Get Em Out Wildlife Control can safely and humanely remove the animal. Avoid attempting to trap or handle skunks on your own due to the risk of being sprayed or bitten.

Deterrents: Use motion-activated lights and sprinklers to make your property less attractive to skunks. Natural repellents, such as ammonia-soaked rags, can also be placed near den sites to encourage skunks to move elsewhere.

For effective and professional skunk control, consider contacting Get Em Out Wildlife Control. Their experienced team can assess the situation, provide humane removal services, and offer long-term prevention strategies to keep skunks away from your property.