Skunks

What are skunks?

The size of an ordinary house cat, skunks, are not ordinary creatures. They are unique mammals best known for the foul odor they emit as a means of defense. After being sprayed, the scent lingers for days and is extremely unpleasant. The best way to identify these mammals is by the white and black color pattern and their fluffy tail.

Are skunks dangerous?

Skunks are common carriers of rabies and should never be approached or cornered. In addition to carrying rabies, they transmit a variety of other diseases, bacteria, and parasites.

The oily, repulsive liquid that skunks spray can cause temporary blindness and skin irritations. The smell is tough to remove from clothing and your pet’s fur.

In addition, skunks will dig through our lawns and gardens while foraging for food. Their digging behaviors will cause unsightly damage to the landscape of our properties. 

Why do I have a skunk problem?

Skunks are omnivores and have a very varied diet. They feed on insects, grubs, fruits, berries, bird eggs, and even mice. These animals typically only become a problem for people when they decide burrow near or under our homes, garages, or outbuildings. Like other animals, areas of shelter and sources of food attract skunks to a property. While not always the case, properties located near wooded areas, fields, pastures, or meadows tend to have the biggest problems with skunks. 

Where will I find skunks?

Skunks are most active at dawn and dusk. However, if skunks are living in areas close to people, it is common also to see them out and about during the daytime hours. Skunks do not hibernate, but during periods of cold weather, they will group together in their dens.

Skunks create burrows to make their dens. Outside they burrow in the abandoned nests of other small animals, hollow logs, fallen trees, culverts, or under dense piles of brush. They also burrow under our porches, sheds, decks, steps, or foundations. Having skunks living in a high-traffic area of your yard is not ideal as it dramatically increases the chances that you or your pet get sprayed. 

How do I get rid of skunks?

Getting rid of skunks from your yard, home, or business is best left up to a professional. The professionals at Amco Pest Solutions will provide you with the year-round solutions needed to get rid of skunks and prevent their return. Whether you are looking to get rid of a current skunk infestation or prevent future problems with skunks our family-owned and operated company is here to help.

Our professionals are committed to providing the pest control services needed to help home and business owners keep their properties free of skunks and other common pests. Amco Pest Solutions provides residential pest control and commercial pest control services throughout New Jersey, the Five Borough of New York, and South Florida. Reach out today to learn more about our effective skunk control solutions!

How can I prevent skunks in the future?

To make your property less attractive to skunks, whether you live in New Jersey, New York, or South Florida, use the following, easy to execute, prevention tips:

• Place all trash inside containers with locking lids. The scent of garbage attracts skunks. 
• Pick fruits and vegetables from garden areas. Don’t let fallen fruits and vegetables stay on the ground for long periods. 
• Do not leave pet food out in their bowls overnight.
• Fill any ground holes in your lawn.
• Remove fallen trees, old piles of wood, or brush piles from your yard. 
• If possible, place fencing around the foundation of sheds, decks, and porches to keep skunks from burrowing under them.