Skunks are a pretty easy nuisance animal to identify. Their unique characteristics, a white stripe down the back of their black fur and notorious stinky smell, are undeniable. Skunks are nocturnal, so it would not be unusual to smell their unique odor without seeing one. However, if that smell lingers day after day, you might have a resident skunk in your yard that requires skunk removal.

Skunk control should never be attempted by a homeowner. These critters are the most common carriers of rabies in many parts of the country. They also carry diseases such as canine distemper, tularemia, and leptospirosis transmitted through a skunk bite. Pets who come into contact with their spray can carry the scent for days. As skunks forage, they can damage foundations, wiring, and plumbing with the long nails on their feet. In addition, the health risks they pose are reason enough to call in professionals from Critter Control.

Why is a Skunk in My Yard?

Skunks are small, adaptable animals that can thrive in many habitats so long as there is a source of food and water. They’ll create dens in brush piles, tree hollows, and underneath porches and sheds. They do not often enter homes. They are also opportunistic eaters whose diet is varied amongst fruit, plants, insects, worms, grubs, and even small mammals and fish.

Skunk Trapping

Skunk trapping is the tactic used to get rid of skunks on your property. Critter Control technicians can quickly locate a skunk den and use trapping techniques to humanely capture and relocate the skunk in your yard. Critter Control will also repair any damage created by the skunk and get rid of any remaining odor.

Skunk Prevention

Since most lawns contain a wide variety of insects and worms, one of the best ways to deter a skunk from making its home in your yard is to make it difficult for them to find a good place to create a den by adding mesh around structures so they cannot get underneath and keep your yard free of brush.

Skunks are equipped with strong feet and long nails made for digging. They are capable of damaging homes and businesses when burrowing for food or shelter, including damage to foundations, electrical wiring, and plumbing. A skunk’s spray is also capable of ruining outdoor furniture or equipment. 

Never attempt to handle a skunk without the help of a professional. Skunks pose a significant threat to your health, pets, and property. These nocturnal pests are the most common carriers of rabies in many parts of the country, and carry diseases such as tularemia, leptospirosis, and canine distemper. These diseases are transmitted through bites and not through a skunk’s spray. A skunk’s sulfuric spray, which is known for its intense odor, is a defense mechanism and only used when a skunk feels cornered or threatened. If you or your pet come in contact with skunk spray, it can cause nausea or vomiting. 


Information Reviewed and Approved by Sean Carruth, VP of Communications at Critter Control.

Learn more about Skunks and Skunk intrusions by following the links below!

What Attracts Skunks How to Identify a Skunk Diseases & Property Damage Skunk Removal


Source: The Handbook: Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage - Skunks. James E. Knight, 1994.
 

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Animals digging in your yard? Skunk odors? Skunks under your home or porch? These are oftentimes indicators that skunks are living on or near your property. Call your local Critter Control office today at 1 800-CRITTER for effective skunk removal and exclusion services.

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Testimonials

8/28/2023
Great people to work with!
8/28/2023
John with CC has helped us twice in the last six years - first with a minor mouse problem, and then in troubleshooting a mystery animal that was raising a ruckus on the roof. In each case he was friendly, professional, and offered excellent guidance on the practical solutions. Highly recommend him, and this company.
8/26/2023
Squirrels chewed siding of chimney. CC tech came out to assess situation. Fortunately animals not in attack. CC repair team came out and repaired damage and did a fine job. Very pleased with the business, their work and customer service.
8/26/2023
Cannot say enough wonderful things about this company and Joe especially. We recently found a bat in our basement…SCARY! Called and asked for help, Joe came out at 8pm and was able to search the house, capture the bat safely and removed it from our home. His customer service was priceless to me and I highly recommend this company to everyone. Post visit he even sent a team to further assess our property and provide a quote for future needs.
8/25/2023
I saw the Critter Control guy leave my backyard, but my bait station doesn’t look like it’s been touched for years. Aren’t they supposed to open it up and refill it? I haven’t had mice, but I don’t know if that is because the Critter Control system is working, or just luck.
LW
8/25/2023
They helped get rid of bats at our house and were friendly and easy to work with, highly recommend
Connie
8/25/2023
We appreciated the quick response and the careful service by David Gleason. He explained each step of the process. He also returned to reset traps that had been sprung. He was professional and friendly. We highly recommend Critter Control.
Jill
8/22/2023
Bryan was great. On time, professional, friendly. Most importantly, honest. No lies, no fear tactics, no gimmicks. Assessed the issue and was honest about the lack of work that actually needed to be done/was recommended, knowing that other places had dramatized and given several thousand dollar (4k+) estimates on a job that costs a couple hundred dollars. Can't recommend enough. Will be using for any future issues.
8/20/2023
I’ve been using them for several years now. They are great!
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