Pepe Le Pew is depicted as a French striped skunk in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons. He is constantly in search of love and appreciation. Unfortunately, his aggressiveness and offensive skunk odor would cause romantical pursuits running the other direction.
What Does a Skunk Look Like?
Skunks are about the size of a housecat and easily recognized by their black fur with white markings down their backs. Their heads are small and triangular in shape. They have short ears and black eyes. They have short, stout legs and five-footed feet they use to dig holes. Skunks can also host disease-causing parasites like fleas, mites, ticks and tapeworms. Skunks are best known for the way they smell. Skunks will spray when they feel threatened. This smelly spray comes from two scent glands that are located inside the anus. These glands have nipples on them that allows then to be very precise in aim towards the unlucky victim.
Skunk Spray
Because they are rendered hopeless until they can “reload”, they will avoid spraying it. Skunks will perform a little dance before they spray. The dance is meant to be intimidating. They will stomp the ground and slap their tail. Some skunks will even get into a handstand. This is a warning you had better move away. The spray is very powerful, and you don’t need to be close to suffer unpleasant consequences. That sulfur-smelling spray can be shot up to 20 feet and can linger for days or even weeks. It is very irritating and can cause temporary blindness if enough of it gets in the eyes. The smell of a skunk can be detected up to a mile away.
How to Prevent Skunks
If you notice evidence of animals digging in your yard or skunk smells, you most likely have a skunk, possibly more, living on or near your property. Small holes are dug in search of food, while larger holes are dug for shelter. Other that the holes they will dig, if they burrow into your home they can damage wires. Make your property less attractive to skunks by securing trash bags, removing pet food from outside and taking care of moisture issues around your home. Excessive moisture can create an ideal environment for insects and grubs that are attractive to skunks. If you find any denning sites, like under porches sheds, they need to be sealed off. Keep pets inside if you don’t want them to have a potential encounter with a skunk. Skunks are nocturnal. If you happen to see one during the day, it may have rabies, or distemper. You need to avoid the skunk and call animal control.
Wildlife Control & Removal in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
Trapping skunks can be difficult and since it’s the most effective and safest method of skunk control, it’s best left to the professionals. Pros have the knowledge, tools and training to remove skunks in a humane and effective way. A Five Star Termite & Pest Control is a professional nuisance wildlife control company. Give us a call today!
