It’s the time of year again! We are still in skunk season. Skunks’ activity picks up in February at the start of their breeding season. Females are looking for safe places to give birth, and males are competing for their attention.
Skunks usually move on from a den often, but during breeding season a female will stay put. Gestation usually lasts 60-68 days so skunks give birth between late April and early June.
Why Are Skunks Denning at My House?
Skunks have adapted to live among people. They look for a safe and secure place to create a den.
Skunks prefer to den under logs, in brush piles, and in abandoned woodchuck holes. They also den under decks, porches, crawl-spaces, and other secluded areas.
Why Do Skunks Spray?
This is the time of year where you are most likely to get sprayed. Skunks only spray as a defensive measure and as a last resort.
Before they spray, they give warning signs like stomping their feet and hissing. But if you or your pets stumble upon a hidden den in your yard, all parties involved might get an unwelcome surprise.
So if you smell that skunk odor in your yard, be careful at night and keep your dog on a lease when taking it outside.
Is Skunk Spray Harmful to Pets?
Having a skunk burrow in your yard or property can be concerning if you have pets. Pets are often sprayed by skunks because they are threatened by them, and obviously, pets do not know what skunks can do. If your pet is sprayed, not only will you have to deal with the smell of the spray, but the spray can irritate your pet’s eyes, and if ingested, it is likely that your pet will become ill. Common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. At the first sign of illness, it is best for your pet to see a vet.
In addition, skunks carry rabies. When a pet has an encounter with a skunk, it is possible that your pet could be bitten and infected with rabies. If you have cats, dogs, or other animals that frequent or inhabit your yard, it is very important to keep their rabies vaccination up to date to avoid any potential dangers from skunks and other rabies vector species.
Because skunks are nocturnal, skunks pose a greater danger to pets when it is dark outside. If you have a skunk problem, it is best to leash your pets after dusk to prevent any encounters until your skunk issue is resolved.
All in all, it is best to keep your yard free of skunks for the safety of your pets. If you have a current skunk issue, call a professional for help.
How Can Homeowners Protect Their Yards from Skunks?
Before you attempt to get rid of a skunk, check with your state’s wildlife department
Depending on your state, a skunk might be a protected furbearer or non-game animal. It is possible to trap a skunk, but if you do not take the proper precautions, you may get sprayed or bitten/scratched.
If a skunk is denning under your house, a one-way door is an effective means to get the skunk out. Once you’re sure the skunk is out from under your house, secure all foundation openings and use wire-mesh around openings under decks, porches, and sheds.
Remove potential food sources. Bring pet food inside and secure garbage cans. Limit preferred denning sites. Clean up brush piles. Get rid of log piles. Secure open areas around foundation. Secure open spaces under decks, porches, and sheds.
-Thomas Ward III, Critter Control Training Manager
How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell on Your Pet
Amazon and Petco sell Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Remover, which removes the skunk odor from pets, people, and clothing. Walmart sells De-Skunk Odor Destroyer Pet Shampoo, which breaks down the sulfur from the skunk oil and removes the odor from your cat or dog’s fur.
But, if you have liquid dish soap, baking soda, and 3% hydrogen peroxide, you can make your own de-skunk solution.
Please note:
- Do not save or bottle the de-skunk solution as the chemical reaction will cause a container to explode.
- Be very careful not to get the de-skunk solution in your pet’s ears, eyes, or mouth.
Using the ingredients listed, mix 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda, and 1 tsp of liquid dish soap. To apply the solution, use gloves and thoroughly rub the formula on your pet’s coat. Next, rinse the formula, and then, use pet-friendly shampoo. Repeat these steps if needed.