We have all smelled the scent of a skunk and it is not very pleasant. Often we wonder, are skunks only out in the evening, or do skunks come out during the day? Yes, they are out during the daytime gathering and hunting so they can avoid nocturnal predators. However, many are out at night too depending on their circadian rhythm, which is their sleep cycle.
What Does a Skunk Look Like?
Striped skunks are about 2 feet long and weigh between 14-16 pounds. Male skunks are known to be bigger than female skunks. They are said to be similar to weasels and have a small head that is black, ears, eyes, and a nose. However, their feet are like raccoons and bears.
The pads are hairless and the claws don’t retract. Their fur is long and silky and they look like they waddle when they walk. When they feel threatened, they hiss, growl, squeal, smack, or coo. Additionally, they are like a cat in that they puff themselves up hoping that the predator will go away.
Their eyesight, sense of smell, and hearing are not as good as other wildlife. Lastly, they spray when they feel threatened.
What to Do About Skunks?
Now that you know that many skunks are out during the daylight hours, you have a better chance of smelling one than seeing one. If you smell their musky smell near a woodpile or under a building, it is possible that a skunk has made a home. Other signs of skunks are:
- Shallow and small holes in the yard – Often they are mistaken for holes made by squirrels.
- Plants knocked over or damaged crops – This is especially true on the lower leaves of crops.
Warning Signs About Skunks
If you come across a skunk, they might feel threatened. If you see any stomping of the feet, a tail that is raised, hissing, charging forward, or twisting its body so the hind is in your direction, be aware you may get sprayed.
Spotted adult skunks will move their body into a handstand, stick the rear in the air, and have their eyes fixed on the threat. If you see this happening, move slowly away from the skunk. Especially important is keeping dogs away as they don’t heed warnings.
How to Get Rid of Skunks?
Sometimes a skunk may make a home under a deck or old shed. However, the long-lasting skunk smell will last for a while. In colder areas, skunks are seeking shelter while young.
These nocturnal animals are also non-aggressive and won’t bother your yard. They will move on to other places when they are ready.
Recommended Maintenance
Now that you know about skunks and summertime, let’s take a look at other places of maintenance. One of those is raccoon nests. Raccoons can be pests in a yard, or in a swimming pool so you want to keep an eye out for their nests. A raccoon nest is already established like a den, a burrow, under a porch, or in the attic. It can also be an abandoned nest from a fox or bird.
Another area is protecting Pex pipes. Rodents love these pipes so make sure that you replace weatherstripping, provide a water source, and keep the area nice and clean.
Lastly, sometimes homes have a bug infestation. If you find a home with powder-post beetles, it is a good idea to reach out to a pest control company to see if you should buy the home. These beetles are less than 1/4 inch in length and reddish-brown to black in color. A slim Insect, it is in the shape of the letter C and has larvae that are cream or white in color. They do a lot of damage to a home.
When Do I Call a Professional?
If you have skunks in your yard or a nest, it may be time to call a professional. As mentioned above, many times the skunk will eventually move on, but if it is becoming a nuisance, you may need a professional to relocate it. A pest control company can help with controlling the skunk population.
Conclusion
Skunks will eat bugs and rodents in the yard, but can also spray humans and dogs. Protecting your loved ones is important and if this wild animal is not acting right or harassing you, it is a good idea to call on All South Pest Control to determine your pest service needs and offer the best preventative maintenance for future pest issues in McDonough, GA, and the surrounding areas.
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