Have you seen more Skunks? Well the skunks are out and about trying to find a new mate this
Valentines. Here are some tips from Animal Services to help your protect your property and Pets
from Skunk damage.
TIPS
1.
Do not feed the skunks. They can easily become dependent on human food sources.
2.
Never leave pet food outside, particularly at night.
3.
Never discard edible garbage where skunks can get to it.
4.
Secure garbage containers and eliminate their odors. Use a small amount of ammonia or
cayenne pepper in the garbage to discourage scavenging.
5.
A persistent, faint skunk odor around a hole leading under a foundation or deck indicates
a skunk me be present. To find out, cover the hole with loose dirt; if a skunk is in residence, it
will dig out during the night. Allow three days for this test; if dirt remains undisturbed, then
close the opening with masonry, boards, or hardware cloth.
6.
Install one-way doors on entrances to skunk dens, allowing the skunk to leave at night but
barring it from re-entering. Watch for any new holes. Do not use one-way doors during May
through August, when babies bay be in the den. If the mother cannot return, the babies will
starve. This is inhumane and can also cause odor problems.
7.
Place mothball-filled socks and/or sprinkle cayenne pepper around your yard to
discourage digging.
8.
Start a nontoxic insect-control program (especially for grubs) to discourage digging.
9.
Fences are effective as long as they are buried at least 1 ½ feet in the ground.
10.
If a skunk strays into your garage, leave a door to the outside open and let the skunk exit
on its own.
11.
Securely enclose poultry, especially at night. Repair all openings in coop or fencing.
Fencing should extend 6 to 8 inches underground to prevent skunks and other animals from
digging under.
12.
Debris and brush piles should be removed or stacked neatly to eliminate suitable cavities.
13.
Blow-up or plastic great horned owls may be strategically placed and periodically moved
to deter skunks.
14.
Lighting up of denning sites and a portable radio may cause the skunk to seek a more
suitable habitat.
15.
Keep pet doors closed at night to prevent entry by a skunk.
16.
Keep fruit trees picked and don’t leave rotted fruit on the ground.
17.
Restrict use of birdseed. Skunks are attracted to it and to the birds and rodents that use
the feeder.
18.
If possible, eliminate outdoor sources of water.
19.
Battery operated flashing lights, tape recorded human noises, scattered moth balls and
ammonia-soaked rags strategically placed may deter skunks from entering your yard.
Background
Skunks are considered by many people to be odorous and obnoxious pests that should be avoided
at all costs and even eliminated on sight. However, these animals generally are beneficial
because they help control grubs, insects and rodents. They range throughout the United States
and are considered important furbearers in many states.
Skunks are primarily nocturnal, preferring to hunt at night for grubs, insects, small
rodents, carrion, fruit, berries, un-ripened corn, mushrooms and other food items. Skunks like
poultry and eggs and, when circumstances permit, raid chicken houses and poultry yards. In
urban areas, they feed on pet food, garbage, fruit that has fallen from trees, and garden
vegetables. Skunks use any sheltered place as a den including abandoned armadillo burrows,
predator dens, and areas under houses, unused buildings, and barns and even, on rare occasions,
attics of buildings.
Biology and Reproduction
Adult weight: Depending on species, 3 ½ to 10 pounds
Total length: Approximately 20 to 30 inches
Color: Black and white
Gestation period: 7 to 10 weeks
Litter size: 4 to 6 kits
Number of litters: Single litter, usually born in spring
Life span: Average 3 years
Disease Transmission
Skunks are a primary source of rabies in Texas. Human and domestic pet contact with
skunks should be avoided. Take all precautions to keep from being bitten, scratched or sprayed.
Have your pet vaccinated with the rabies vaccine by a licensed veterinarian before they ever
have the chance to encounter a skunk.
Damage
Skunks become a problem when their feeding and burrowing activities conflict with
man’s interests. In urban areas, skunks may damage gardens and lawns as well as expose
humans and pets to several transmittable diseases, especially rabies. In rural areas, skunks can
cause losses to poultry operations, expose livestock to disease, and occasionally cause damage to
crops.
Skunks can be a nuisance because of their odor. All skunks have the ability to discharge
a nauseating musk from their anal glands. They can discharge their musk several times with
accuracy to about 10 feet. Pets often are sprayed whey they confront skunks. When skunks take
shelter under buildings, their odor can make them an intolerable nuisance.