Skunks

Skunks are part of the weasel family, even though your average skunk is a little chunkier than the typical weasel. All weasels have some sort of odor-producing glands, but skunks have perfected it to the point that they've basically made an art out of it. Skunk spray has a strong, unforgettable stench that is known to linger and spread more than most other smells could. Oddly enough, some fancy perfumes use skunk essence as a carrying agent.

Skunks use their odor as a form of defense, and only when absolutely necessary. Adolescent skunks discovering this new weapon during the late summer often perfume the air. Pets and predators can elicit this response any time throughout the year. Believe it or not, many animals prey on skunks, especially the great horned owl. Since skunks are not much for climbing, this explains why skunk remains end up on rooftops and other strange places.

Female skunks will take up residence in unoccupied groundhog holes during mating and birthing season, which happens during the mid-to-late winter. This is oftentimes when trapping will be successful. Skunks rarely spray when caught in our live traps. Once removed, we would be happy to provide you with a quote for a permanent exclusion barrier installation to keep future animals out from under your deck, porch, outbuilding, or other structure. Take a look at The Critter Guy's nuisance wildlife exclusion services for more details on buried grid wire exclusions.

A concrete slab with a large hole under it — Skunks love living in holes under buildings. This one is a perfect example!

A deck or porch, with exclusion wire installed on its side and painted to match nicely — We frequently install exclusion barriers like this one, painted to match the original building. We can also add lattice for aesthetics if the customer requests it.

Skunks are also one of the most high-risk rabies carriers that we have. Sometimes skunks can die from disease or injury and end up under a building, where their decaying body leads to a constant slow release of their pungent odor, unlike a single spray which abates in a day or two. As part of The Critter Guy's deceased animal removal services, this is a problem we can often help with by physically extricating the dead skunk and using various deodorizing methods to help remove the odor. This may also be an instance where a permanent exclusion barrier would be something we can help with.

There aren't many things that skunks love to eat more than grubs. They can wreck flower beds and yards as they dig many small holes in their search for tasty grubs. If you are experiencing transient skunks making grubbing holes, we recommend that you contact a lawn specialist and ask for grub treatment.

If you need professional nuisance skunk removal services or a quote for a permanent exclusion barrier to keep skunks out from under areas they are not welcomed, get in touch with The Critter Guy!