Identification:

There are four species in North America. The Striped skunk, The Spotted skunk, The Hooded skunk, The Hog-nosed skunk, The skunk most often seen in So. California is the Stripped Skunk, it has short, stocky legs and proportionately large feet equipped with well-developed claws that enable it to be very good at digging. The skunk, is nocturnal in habit, rather slow-moving and deliberate, and have great confidence in defending themselves against other animals. It is a member of the weasel family. It has very bad eyesight, but a awesome sense of smell, making feeding rather easy.
 
The striped skunk is characterized by prominent, lateral white stripes that run down its back. Its fur is otherwise jet black. Striped skunks are the most abundant of the four species. The body of the striped skunk is about the size of an ordinary house cat (up to 29 inches [74 cm] long and weighing about 8 pounds [3.6 kg] ).

Skunks are wonderful creatures, they eat insects, and help control our rodent populations, but the down side to these black and white Kitty's, is that they also prey on chickens, the occasional rabbit, eat your produce (i.e. fruits, and vegetables, damage beehives, dig under our houses, sheds, Jacuzzis, decks, and any other opening they can fit through, or dig under. They rarely climb anything that is more than a foot and a half high. Finding shelter is one of their top priorities. So, if your house, shed, or the like isn't sealed, or rather not skunk proofed, they will make themselves a home near you! These well adjusted animals have some very bad habits. They can get into your trash, if left on the ground, dig up your lawn (tell tale signs a skunk has been in your yard is that the holes in your lawn or flower beds resemble that of a small funnel, or cone shape.) These animals often carry rabies. Skunks are best known for their ability to spray a foul-smelling fluid as a defense against predators.

Mating Season:

Adult skunks begin breeding in late February through March. Yearling females (born in the preceding year) mate in late March. Gestation usually lasts 7 to 10 weeks. Older females bear young during the first part of May, while yearling females bear young in early June. There is usually only 1 litter annually. Litters commonly consist of 4 to 6 young, but may have from 2 to 16. Younger or smaller females have smaller litters than older or larger females. The young stay with the female until fall. Both sexes mature by the following spring. The age potential for a skunk is about 10 years, but few live beyond 3 years in the wild. The normal home range of the skunk is l/2 to 2 miles (2 to 5 km) in diameter. During the breeding season, a male may travel 4 to 5 miles (6.4 to 8 km) each night. Skunks are dormant for a one month during the coldest part of winter. These animals may den together in winter for warmth, but are not generally sociable.

 Note:

Avoid overly aggressive skunks that approach without hesitation.

Any skunk showing abnormal behavior, such as daytime activity, may be rabid and should be treated with caution.

Report suspicious behavior to your local animal control authorities immediately!
 

Damage Prevention & Control Tactics

Exclusions:
Close crawl space holes/access, make sure window wells are sealed, or screened, make sure all foundation vent covers are in good repair.
When Chicken coops or Poultry yards are involved, install wire mesh fences, with locks. Make sure the footing around it can not be dug under.
For Beehives, make sure to elevate a couple feet off the ground, and install an entry proof barrier around the exterior.

Habitat Modification:
Garbage should only be placed into appropriate receptacles, clean up all debris, raise lumber piles off the ground.

Frightening:
Radios and lights are of limited value for exercising them from their dens or food source.

Repellents:
Some home remedies such as moth balls,  or ammonia soaked rags may be useful, but no repellents are registered. NOTE: Moth balls are a carcinogenic and over use/direct contact may adversely affect your health.

Toxicants:
None are registered.

Fumigants:
Gas cartridges. Just don't do this under your house. If so, please read all instructions carefully to avoid putting you and your family at risk of inhalation.

Trapping & Removal:
Should only be done by a Trained Licensed Professional.

Shooting:
Please don't shoot these creatures, we need them to help balance our eco-system. However, if you must,  please use common sense and do not fire your weapon within the city limits. NOTE: THE SKUNK WILL CONTINUE TO SPRAY AFTER BEING SHOT!
 

Call Now and in most cases we can have an Damage Control Operator out to you the same day! Feel safe again in no time.  

Business Hours:

Monday - Sunday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm    Open 7 days a week!  

Yes We Service Orange County!

(619) 370 - 2761