Skunks In Your Area

There are 10 different species of skunks, however the striped skunk is the most recognizable to us and the most prevalent in North America.  Most people repel from skunks the minute they see them, and this can actually increase their chances of getting sprayed.  Skunks can spray up to 10 feet.  However, skunks are mostly docile creatures, you can sit and watch a skunk pass right in front of you and not be in any danger of getting sprayed at all.  Skunks will only spray you if pose a threat to them.  If you ever see a skunk turn around, lift its tail, and start stomping its feet, then it is time to run away. Skunks however, only travel about 2 miles from where they set up their den, which is typically near a water source in the area, so if you see a skunk multiple times then it is possible you have a skunk living near you and will see it again many times.

Identifying if Your Yard Has A Skunk

Skunks are very adaptable to the environment they choose to live in, so there are some signs you will see around your home that makes it identifiable that skunk is living near your home:

1. Holes:  Skunks will leave 3-4 inch diameter holes in the ground in your yard.  These holes actually take on a cone shape to them when they burrow.  If you have seen these and a skunk many times, you have one living near you.
2. Tracks:  Sometimes you can even spot their trackers through your yard or flower bed.  Skunk tracks have 5 toes on each foot and have claws as well. If you have seen tracks near your home, then you might want to reach out to an animal removal specialist near you.
3. Trash Cans: Skunks are omnivores actually.  They will eat anything from smaller animals to bugs, to insects, and flowers.  So if you see your trash cans in disarray it is not always raccoons who are responsible.
4. Smell:  Obviously the smell in your home is a great indication you might have a skunk living inside.  Skunks can have 2-20 kits (baby skunk) at a time so if you smell something in your home then it is time to get it removed before a bigger problem develops.

Skunk Dangers

Skunks can be cute, however, skunks usually have a lifespan of only 3 years in the wild.  This is because they are susceptible on average to lots of other predators bigger then them, being run over, and being killed by humans.  Even though skunks seem docile it doesn’t mean that there isn’t a danger when they move into your home.  Skunks can carry diseases and parasites that CAN be transferred to humans and even your pets. Leptosporisis, canine distemper, canine hepatitis, roundworm and rabies.  So if you or a family member ever get bitten or attacked by a skunk make sure you go to the emergency room as soon as possible.  This is also a great reason to have an wildlife removal specialist that’s local to help you with whatever you need when you find out that there might be a skunk in your home.

Skunk Prevention

There are some ways that you can prevent a skunk from coming on your property and not settling down in your home.  There are market products like shock fences, and critter sprays and granules you can use, there are some other effective measures you can take that are cost efficient as well:

1. Add Light – Skunks do not like light.  They can’t see very well to begin with and adding light makes it harder for them.  Skunks will always prefer a dark location so by adding light around your house you will be able to help prevent a skunk from living in your home.
2. Seal Up Your Home:  Make sure that outside holes around your home are sealed tightly.  If you are unsure about whether something can get in, you can call an animal removal specialist in the area and most do animal proofing.
3. Less Attractive Items:  garbage, vegetables, fruits, pet food bowls, water bowls, these are all invitations for not only a skunk to come near your home, but also other wildlife animals as well.
4. Motion Activated Sprinklers:  This is a method that can actually reduce a lot of other wildlife from invading your home and lawn.  Motion activated sprinklers will repel animals because it will spray them whenever they are near them.  These will make more skittish creatures keep avoiding your home in the future.

Skunk Removal

If you think you have a skunk in your home, then please call us at Animal Wildlife Trackers.  We will ensure to remove the skunks and help with whatever damage they might have caused to your home.  There is danger to having skunks in your home so if you see any of these signs, or notice an awful odor emanating from your basement or attic please call today!