Skunks Are Stinking Up The Place

As I was on my way to work today, I passed five dead skunks. The vile smell penetrated my car and it reminded me of the 1972 song by Loudon Wainwright III - Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road. Who remembers this song? It is mating season for skunks and they are out and about - as you can tell by their smell. While I cringe passing them on the road, I fear that a skunk will take up residence under my porch or deck since this is usually the time homeowners start to come in contact with these animals.

As the temperature starts to warm up from the winter cold, skunks start to roam around to breed in early spring. They have a distinct smell and striped fur that gives away their identity. Females start giving birth in May to produce up to seven kits.

Skunks looks for easy access to food and shelter during the winter, so your home, shed, or patio is a prime location. These pests are usually drawn in by homes that have domestic animals because they can gain access to the animal's food that's left outside. They gain access to your crawlspace by either tearing away ventilation screen or looking for any foundation openings. Once they have set up residence in your crawlspace, their scent will reach out to you inside your home so you know that they are there.

Female skunks excavates a den to house her kits when time for birth. These dens can be under your home, garage or even a pile of branches that hasn't been removed before winter. These pests can also damage your yard by using their claws to look for insects to eat by digging holes.

Skunks use their anal scent gland as a defensive weapon against potential predators. These glands can spray up to 10 feet; however, before these animals spray they give off a warning by stamping its feet, raising its tail, and hissing. A pet, either a dog or cat, which comes in contact with a skunk may be sprayed if the skunk feels threatened by it. The smell may remain on your pet for a period of time until it finally wears off. Unfortunately, there are many myths of how to get rid of a skunk's smell. The Humane Society of the U.S. recommends treating domestic animals by using a dilution of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and dishwashing liquid.

If you begin to smell skunk around you house, you should be alarmed. Elite Wildlife Removal is licensed and trained to remove these animals from your residence. We provide animal wildlife removal in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Contact us today at 804-867-7184. We will be more than happy to work with you regarding your wildlife needs.