When Skunks are a Nuisance
Skunks in Ohio
Varieties of skunks are found in the most of the United States and Canada. As a result of their remarkable adaptability, skunks can be found in all environments and areas of Ohio. Urban, suburban, and rural… skunks can make a home in nearly any location.
Skunks are members of the weasel family (Mustelidae). Their fur is shiny black with varying amounts of white (depending on species) on the head, back and tail. Adults are generally about two-three feet long—including the tail—and can weigh up to ten pounds. A litter of from one to seven young, averaging five, is born from late April to early June.
Habitat and Habits
Though their habitats vary widely, skunks are most common in agricultural and forest edge areas. An individual skunk’s territory may span up to 30 or 40 acres in the wild. They are almost always found close to water sources, usually within two miles.
Skunks in the wild tend to den in shallow burrows or hollow logs. In urban/suburban areas, skunks den beneath buildings, decks, dumps, and woodpiles. They are capable of burrowing a den a foot or so underground, with well-hidden entrances. They like warm, dry, dark, and defensible spots; most house basements and crawl spaces can qualify.
Generally nocturnal, skunks begin foraging at sunset. They are omnivorous with diets that chiefly include insects, fruits, and nuts, as well as mice and other small rodents, frogs, eggs, birds, and garbage.
The Skunk Is Beneficial
Skunks help keep the rodent population in check and can be beneficial in controlling grubs in lawn—as grubs are a particular favorite of the animal.
The skunk diet includes Black Widow Spiders and Scorpions. In fact, an estimated 70% of the skunk’s diet includes insects considered harmful to humans.
Because they are scavenging, carrion eaters, they help keep roads, parks, and neighborhoods clean.
Skunk Defenses
Skunks are shy, secretive, and gentle animals by nature. Though they have sharp teeth and claws, they rarely ever attack unless cornered or protecting their young. The presence and activity of skunks hardly ever cause serious damage; rather, their scent creates a nuisance around occupied buildings.
The skunk’s trademark scent is a defense mechanism created by the production of a sulfur compound in glands in the animal’s hind quarters. The skunk’s bold markings and defensive behaviors—such as fluffing its fur, stamping on the ground with its front feet, and growling—serve as warnings when the animal feels threatened. Spraying of musk does not come without warning or cause, but when it does it is very precise. Skunks can spray victims accurately and effectively up to 15 feet.
Basic Steps to Prevent a Skunk Nuisance
The availability of food and shelter can entice skunks to make residential areas their home. So taking preventative measures can reduce the likelihood of an unwanted skunk residency. Here are some helpful tips to prevent skunk habitation near you home:
-
Bring in unused pet food and water at night
-
Never discard edible garbage where skunks can get it
-
Keep tight-fitting lids on garbage cans
-
Frequently harvest gardens and pick up windfall fruit
-
Restrict use of birdseed; skunks are attracted to it and to the birds and rodents that use the feeder
-
Keep pet access doors locked at night
-
Clear your yard of debris and brush piles and stacks of wood and rock
-
Seal up potential entry holes in and under buildings and decks
-
Exclude decks as housing options by using 1/4 inch grid screening or solid metal flashing. Trench around the perimeter of the deck a minimum of 12 inches deep, insert screening in trench and backfill. Attach top of screening to facade of deck with nails or fence post staples
Dealing with An Existing Skunk Nuisance
Destroying skunks is strongly discouraged. Poisoning is not a viable answer either. Poison is indiscriminate and has long lasting consequences on many species in the environment.
Trapping and relocation of nuisance skunks is also not recommended. Such removal of these territorial animals is usually only temporary, as other skunks will likely soon follow as long as there is an inviting habitat (the presence of accessible food and shelter).
More effective and viable options for various skunk nuisance situations include:
-
If you suspect a skunk may be living down a hole, cover the hole with loose dirt. If the skunk is in residence, it will dig out during the night. Allow up to 3 days for this test. If the dirt remains undisturbed (and it is not winter), close the opening with masonry board or hardware cloth.
-
If skunks are already settled under a building, installing one-way doors on an entrance to a suspected skunk den can be effective. This will allow skunks to leave in the evening but will prevent re-entry. Be sure to close all openings except one, then check the remaining opening for tracks after dark. It may be necessary to place an artificial tracking surface such as lime, sand or flour at the burrow entrance to determine if the skunk is inside or outside the den. If tracks show that the animal has left, securely close the opening. Important Note: Pay close attention and use extra caution if trying this option during May-June when babies may be in the den.
-
To drive skunks away, you may also consider harassing the animal. Lighting up of den sites with battery operated flashing lights, tape-recorded human noises or portable radio, and scattered moth balls and ammonia-soaked rags strategically placed may deter skunks and cause the skunk to seek a more suitable habitat.
Consulting your local wildlife or pest control experts may provide you with additional options.
Need More Information?
If you have more specific questions concerning skunks, please contact one of the following:
The Ohio Wildlife Center (OWC)
614-793-WILD
The City of Dublin
614-410-4400
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, Central Office
614-265-6300