Skunks
About Skunks
There are two skunk species found in California -
- The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) - the most common species.
- The spotted skunk (Spilogalem gracilis).
Skunks are members of the weasel family. They are equipped with a powerful protective scent gland that can shoot a potent and pungent liquid as far as 6-10 feet. They are about the size of a house cat with fur that is mostly black and white. They are mostly active at dawn, dusk, and at night but can be active during the day, especially in urban areas.
Skunks tend to live in a variety of habitats.
- Deserts
- Woodlands
- Grassy plains
- Urban and suburban neighborhoods
In urban areas, skunks will look for shelter in or around homes.
- Decks
- Open porches, sheds, and other buildings
- Crawl spaces
- Mobile homes
- Firewood piles
- Overgrown shrubbery
Skunks eat a variety of foods, including:
- Small vertebrates like rodents, snakes, lizards, and frogs.
- Fruits and vegetables
- Pet food
- Garbage
- Eggs of ground nesting birds
Why Are They Important?
Skunks are an important part of our ecosystem. They help keep local pest populations under control by feeding on rodents, wasps larvae, and animal carcasses. However, a skunk problem should not be ignored. A skunk's potent liquid discharge can cause nausea and respiratory illnesses. If it gets in your eyes, it can cause severe burning and temporary blindness.
Skunks can also carry many diseases that can spread to humans and pets.
- Rabies
- Leptospirosis
- Listeriosis
- Canine distemper
- Canine hepatitis
- Q-fever
- Tularemia
Urban wildlife can also carry ectoparasites, like fleas and ticks that also have the potential to spread diseases to people and pets.
Skunks can also cause damage to:
- Lawns and gardens when they look for grubs.
- Ground nesting bird populations when they eat the eggs.
- Pets and humans if they spray when startled.
Services
You can request a free home inspection and consultation for issues with skunks. Our trained technicians will inspect the exterior of your property and do the following:
- Look for possible entry points.
- Identify what might be attracting wildlife to your property.
- Provide consultation and advice on how to:
- Do the repairs to keep wildlife out of your property.
- Reduce availability of food, water, and shelter.
How Can I Prevent Skunks at Home?
Reduce the availability of food, water, and shelter that attract skunks and rodents, and other small animals that might attract them.
Food and Water
- Harvest fruit and vegetables when ripe and pick up fallen fruit.
- Regularly rake areas around bird feeders.
- Do not leave pet food or water outside.
- Secure garbage and recycling bins.
- Fix water leaks.
Shelter
- Stack firewood tightly and at least 18 inches above ground.
- Repair or replace crawl space vents that have holes.
- Remove boards, debris, and rocks that they could use for shelter.
Exclusion
- Treat your lawn for grubs and other insects - this will reduce food availability for skunks.
- Use 1/4" hardware cloth to seal under porches, decks, and mobile homes to exclude skunks and other animals
- View our Skunk Exclusion DIY (Do it yourself) video for a step-by-step exclusion example.
Odor Removal
When skunks are preparing to spray, they will stomp their feet, hiss, and arch their tail over their back. They usually only defend themselves when they feel cornered, scared, or harmed. In the event that you or your pet are sprayed you can mix the following ingredients to remove the potent skunk smell mix.
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- A quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap, like Dawn
This mixture works on anything, except leather. It is safe to wash clothes, yourself, and pets with it.