Skunk Control & Identification
Do you have a skunk problem in or around your property? Contact us today to schedule a skunk control service!
What are Skunks?
Skunks are mammals found in both North and South America. These animals are known for their ability to spray an unpleasant-smelling liquid.
Common Name: Striped Skunk
Scientific Name: Mephitis mephitis
To learn more about wildlife removal, take a look at our Removal & Trapping page.
We understand that having a skunk in or near your property can be unnerving… but that’s where we come in! You can rely on Varment Guard’s expert skunk removal and skunk control services.
Skunk Biology & Characteristics
- Adult body length (without tail): 13 to 18 inches
- Adult body weight: 6 to 10 pounds
- Gestation period: 63 days
- Litters per year: 1
- Litter size: 2 to 10 young (usually 4 to 6)
- Breeding season: February through March
- Birthing season: April through May
- Age at which young are weaned: 6 to 7 weeks
- Activity period: Night
- Range: 4 square miles or less
- Primary foods: Meats, fish, pet food, insects, fruits, vegetables
How to Get Rid of Skunks
The best skunk control is obtained through trapping and exclusion. The experts at Varment Guard can choose the best skunk trap and best skunk bait options for your specific situation.
Skunk Trapping
Trapping is the preferred method of removal for skunks. Trapping is most commonly performed through the use of live-catch wire cage traps. These skunk traps are baited with a variety of scents skunks find irresistible. Keep in mind, the experts at Varment Guard know how to get a skunk out of a live trap quickly, safely, and humanely.
So, what is the best bait for skunks? Read more below or go to our Skunk Trapping page to learn more about how to bait a skunk.
Skunk Exclusion
Skunks should be prevented from burrowing underneath structures by performing exclusion. To learn more about how to keep skunks out of unwanted areas, visit our Skunk Exclusion page or read more below.
Habitat Modification
Food sources attractive to skunks should be made inaccessible whenever possible. Pet food dishes should be brought indoors at night. Trash cans and bins containing food garbage should be secured. Fallen fruit should be cleared away from beneath trees located near dwellings.
How to Get Rid of Skunks: Skunk Exclusion
The best solution to skunk problems beneath buildings is to screen or block them out. Exclusion is essential for all entrances and openings in the foundations of homes and outbuildings.
Spaces beneath porches, stairs, and mobile homes should be closed off to exclude skunks. Once skunks have made their home beneath a building, the problem becomes more severe.
Before closing off the entrance, we must ensure the animal is not present. This is done with our trapping program. We can also install a one-way door to prevent re-entry.
Buried Wire Fencing Exclusion
Buried wire fencing can prevent skunks from excavating or re-entering beneath porches, shallow decks, and slab foundations.
A skirting or band of ½ inch mesh hardware cloth must be fastened tightly to the above ground structure of the porch, deck, or foundation. The buried wire fencing barrier will discourage skunks and other burrowing animals from digging beneath it.
How to Trap a Skunk: Live-Trapping
Live-catch wire cage traps are the best method of removing skunks from beneath or around buildings. Varment Guard technicians place such traps where the animals are entering the building or on active trails.
So, what do you bait skunks with? Effective skunk trap bait includes peanut butter, fish (canned or fresh), fish-flavored cat food, and scented baits.
Once baited, the traps are placed near the point of entry and will be checked daily by one of our technicians. During This daily check, captured skunks are removed, traps and re-baited, and adjustments are made to the trap placement.
Funnel-Style Traps
Our technicians are also equipped and trained with funnel-style traps. These traps are placed directly over the point of entry and catch any animals that exit the structure.
Population Control Trapping
Over-abundance or high populations of skunks can be addressed through population control trapping. Baited traps are set along established trails, fence lines, buildings, and more. This method can be effective for removing skunks that may be burrowing on a nearby property but regularly come on to your property.
Live Animal Emergency Removal
A skunk that is sick or injured outside or has fallen into an area such as a window well can be captured quickly and removed from the property. This can be achieved using an animal control pole (catch pole) by a highly trained Varment Guard professional. Onsite, they will locate and remove the problem animal. If the animal cannot be found, traps can be set.
Skunk Odor Control Service
Varment Guard offers a service to help eliminate or reduce skunk odor. The service uses a product that will break down the skunk odor at the molecular level. It doesn’t cover the odor it eliminates it. The material is sprayed in a fine mist anywhere skunks may have sprayed including under decks, houses, sunrooms, sheds, and foundations of homes. It can even by applied to shrubs, bushes, and lawns.
If you are having issues with skunk odor, contact Varment Guard today!
Where Can I Find Skunk Control Near Me?
Varment Guard offers skunk control and removal services all over the Midwest and beyond. So, no matter where you are, you can trust us to solve even your trickiest wildlife challenges!
Wondering how to catch a skunk? Unsure of what to do if you catch a skunk? The experts at Varment Guard can handle it. Get in touch with us so you don’t handle a skunk on your own!
Our expert team has the knowledge and skill to get rid of skunks from under decks, out of sheds, and much more. If you’re ready to free your property of problem wildlife, get in touch with Varment Guard today!
We can rid you of skunk problems safely and efficiently!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is There a Skunk Near My House?
Cone-shaped holes, skunk tracks, disturbed dirt near the porch or deck, rolled sod, droppings, and odor are all indicators that a skunk may be near your home. Yes, finding these signs can be anxiety-inducing, however they can lead you to understanding how to get rid of the skunk. Learn more!
Where Do Skunks Come From?
Skunks typically can be found in heavily forested areas, where food and shelter are plentiful. They either create burrows by digging under existing structures or steal them from smaller burrowing animals. As solitary creatures, they generally live and forage alone. Read more!
What Do I Do If I Encounter a Skunk?
The best thing to do when you encounter a skunk is to stay calm, leave them alone, and get out of their way. Basically, you should try moving slowly around the pest. This will limit the chances of being a victim of their odorous spray. Learn more!
Why Do Skunks Stink?
Skunks use their spray to defend themselves. Many predators that would naturally prey on skunks like bears and coyotes rely on their smell to hunt. When skunks spray them, it’s not just unpleasant–it’s overwhelming. Nonetheless, they usually do give a warning before they are going to spray. Read more!
