When Skunks are a Nuisance
Striped Skunk
Once thought to be more closely related to Weasels (Mustelidae), skunks now have their own family (Mephitidae). Distinctive white stripes on a black coat warn of the skunk’s defense which makes the skunk one of the most known mammals in the United States. Although many color variations exist with brown, white, grey, and black reported, the majority of skunks have two white stripes that form a “V” at the neck and extend down the back. Common throughout the United States and found in all 88 counties in Ohio, the Striped Skunk is adaptable and eats a variety of foods. Striped Skunks are active primarily at night foraging for worms, insects, fruits, eggs, plant matter, small rodents and easy meals left by humans such as trash and pet or bird food. They can weigh from 4 to 14 pounds.
Although they do store fat and stay in winter dens for long periods of time, Striped skunks do not hibernate and sometimes roam about on warmer winter nights in search of food. Mating occurs in late February through March. This is a typical time of year to smell skunk spray as they are more active. 2 to 10 kits are born after a gestation of 63 days. Kits are born blind and hairless. Young typically emerge from the den around 6 weeks of age. Usually this is in late July. They are often seen following the mother in single file and learning foraging techniques. Late summer is another time when it’s typical to smell skunk spray.
Skunks most often do not feel threatened by humans and therefore rarely use their defense against us. However, they do see dogs and cats as predators. Skunks aim and spray with amazing accuracy usually hitting the olfactory senses where the spray burns the eyes and overwhelms the nose. Skunks can hit their target easily from 10 or more feet away. This defensive tactic works and again, this is why skunks advertise their ability with their bold color pattern. They have no need to camouflage into the landscape like other animals.
Skunks are preyed upon by many animals including coyote, fox, and hawks. However, Great Horned Owls are the skunk’s primary predator. Because the owl attacks its prey from the air and also because of its poor sense of smell, it is not as deterred by a skunk’s defensive spray.
Ways to Deter Nuisance Skunks
Removing wildlife from the landscape is not always a viable answer. If habitat remains unchanged critters will continue to utilize an area. If the landscape and habitat were appropriate for one skunk, it will be appropriate for another. Modifications in behavior and area can often help with wildlife issues. Furthermore, it is hopeful that homeowners recognize that wildlife including skunks play a vital role in the ecosystem. This does not mean that it is ok for dogs to be sprayed. It simply means that perhaps skunk spray can be tolerated outside from time to time. In return skunks will continue to keep down rodent and insect populations, playing their role in the ecosystem.
Ways to Deter Skunks:
If you know a skunk is in your area then monitor your pet closely. Step out the door before your pet and make a lot of noise. Stomping your feet and turning a porch light on and off are great ways to warn critters that something big is coming.
Using a leash during this time might seem like extra work, but it’s better to be inconvenienced than it is to worry about skunk spray in your home.
Make sure recycling containers and trash can lids are secure and pick up any uneaten food (garden and pet) from your property.
Watch the amount of bird food placed in feeders. Place just enough food for daylight hours. Anything that falls to the ground or is left over becomes an easy meal for wildlife, including skunks.
Skirting and properly installed hardware clothe around decks, crawl spaces, and sheds can deter wildlife from utilizing these warm, dry spaces.
Temporary Deterrents:
Temporary deterrents can include motion activated sprinklers or children’s toys to scare wildlife from an area.
Strong smells, such as ammonia soaked rags can deter critters from tight spots. Using moth balls is discouraged as chemicals are harmful to humans and other wildlife.
Effigies such as owl or coyote can also be used to scare skunks but become ineffectual if they go unmoved for more than a day.
Mylar tape, lights, and radios can deter skunks for short periods of time.
Filling in holes utilized by skunks can also discourage skunks. However, make sure the den is unused prior to filling it in by placing wadded up news paper at the entrance. When the paper hasn’t been pushed in and out for more than a day, the hole is safe to fill in.
One way doors are another way to evict skunks from a den site. Make sure that dens do not have young (typically May through July) when using one way doors.
Need More Information?
If you have more specific questions concerning skunks, please contact one of the following:
The City of Dublin
614-410-4730
The Ohio Wildlife Center (OWC)
614-793-WILD
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, Central Office
614-265-6300