I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite cartoons growing up was Pepe Le Pew. He acted so debonair and romantic. Two of the qualities you are least likely to find in an actual skunk. We usually get more skunk calls early on in February/March when they are seeking a place to raise their young, but it’s birthing season and for some reason this year, skunks seem to be on the move. So as typically, I try to cater my blogs to my clients needs. Today we are chatting about skunks and some helpful tips to avoid an encounter-and if something is already stinking up your residence or commercial property, we would welcome the opportunity to assist by trapping and removing the skunk and implementing wildlife exclusion techniques to ensure they do not return. Give us a call toll free at 1-855-945-1212.
Skunk Sizes
The skunk is 20” to 30” long including a 10” to 15” tail weighing 6 to 12 lbs. There coat is thick, fluffy, mainly black with a large white nape patch that continues and becomes two stripes along sides of back, usually reaching the tail (occasionally mostly white above). They typically will have a narrow white forehead stripe. Their head is pointed having small ears and eyes. Their legs are short and their tail is long and very bushy. Skunks sleep deeply for up to 3 ½ months at a time but are not true hibernators.
Skunks are opportunists seeking food and shelter. Our clients typically see them when they are seeking a sheltered place to raise their young. Skunks have been known to den under porches, decks foundations, garages, barns or sheds. Damage created by skunks typically includes digging in lawns for grubs and spraying your domesticated animal with it’s horrific smelling defense spray.
Caution
If threatened it raises it’s tail, backs up and may stomp ground; may very quickly emit foul smelling, sulphurous spray that travels up to 16’, stings eyes of predators, pets, humans.
An if you get sprayed, here is a trick of the trade; create a paste out of 1 quart hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap and immediately wash you (and your pet if they got sprayed) and soak your clothing.
At Wildlife Busters we believe that prevention is always the best policy when it comes to dealing with nuisance wildlife. Proper repairs to a commercial or residential building, maintenance plans and inspectional services are just a part of what might help you avoid having to deal with a wildlife removal issue. Some helpful tips include:
- Treat your lawn to reduce the grub population.
- Don’t leave pet food or their food bowls outside.
- Put the trash out in the morning.
- Skunk proof your garbage cans.
- Close garage doors at night.
- Cover window wells.
- Trench prevention around sheds, decks, barns etc.
Wildlife Busters provides humane services for skunk trapping and removal services as well as prevention services that ensure the skunk does not return.
…And for all you fellow Pepe Le Pew fans check out one of my favorite cartoons:
Inspirational Quote of Week
“Yesterday is a dream, tomorrow but a vision. But today well-lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore to this day.” Sanskrit Proverb
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