What do homeowners need to know about skunk removal? You've spotted one of these black and white critters in your yard—and it's moving closer to your home. Now what? Before you try to chase it away with loud noises or another DIY method, take a look at a few skunk removal questions.
Do You Really Need To Remove A Skunk From Your Yard?
The answer to this question is yes—but sometimes no. Skunks are wild animals that live outdoors. This means it's possible for one of these creatures to wander through your yard on its way from point A to point B. A wandering skunk who crosses through your property isn't a cause for concern. But if the skunk comes back daily/nightly, nests under your home or deck, regularly eats from your garden or garbage cans, or is a constant nuisance, you do need a removal service.
Why Do You Need To Remove A Skunk From Your Yard?
The skunk has made your yard its home. But you're still not sure if you should hire a pest control professional. Unlike squirrels, chipmunks, and birds, a skunk may not blend into the background of your backyard. While these pests typically stay away from humans and other animals, they may still spray your family members, pets, or lawn furniture.
Skunks have a smelly spray made from a sulfur-rich organic compound known as a thiol. According to the National Pest Management Association's (NPMA) PestWorld website, skunks can spray this stinky liquid from up to 10 feet away. The result is an offensive odor that can last for weeks.
Unlike other minor odors, a skunk's scent is challenging (at best) to remove. This makes it important to stop the skunk before it sprays. The only way to do this is with a removal service. Without a skunk in your yard, you won't need to worry about a potentially smelly spray.
Who Should Remove A Skunk From Your Yard?
The answer to this question is not you (or another household member, relative, or friend). Again, skunks are wild animals. Even though they are the size of the average house cat and may look friendly, they aren't domesticated pets. Never attempt to trap, pick up, or remove a skunk yourself. Not only do skunks have a smelly spray, but they can also carry rabies. Stay safe and leave the removal process to a pest control professional who specializes in skunks. The pro has the knowledge, experience, and equipment to catch and relocate this backyard pest.
Contact a pest control company for more information about skunk removal.
Most pest infestations can quickly get out of hand if you do not address them. There is a reason people joke about "breeding like mice." You can go from having two mice in your home to having hundreds in a matter of weeks! When you think there are pests inside your home, you need to take control, and quickly. You take control by calling in a pest control professional. They can use a combination of trapping, poisoning, and cleanup methods to eradicate the pests. Learn more about these methods and about other pest control topics on this website, created to educate people like you about the pest control industry.