Everyone is familiar with this black and white animal, and its ability to spray a nauseating fluid when irritated. Skunks are infamous for leaving behind malodorous stench under homes. They also damage gardens by nibbling on all kinds of vegetation and topple trash cans which ultimately attracts rodents and other pests to our homes. Generally, skunks get a bad reputation, but there is an interesting behavior behind these critters’ smelly … [Read more...]
Skunk Repellants: 5 Ways of Making Your Home Stink-Free
Unless you own a .22 rifle and have extraordinary shooting skills, getting rid of skunks in your yard involves a lot of trapping, repellants, and general tidiness. Having skunks in your yard presents a number of safety and health hazards. Apart from being sprayed by their chocking musk, they’re also known to be great carriers of diseases, such as rabies, and pests that can harm your family and pets. They’ll also topple your garbage cans … [Read more...]
How to Get Rid of Skunks
Skunk is arguably a cute, small mammal. The black-and-white fur on its coat resembles that of a panda, perhaps nature’s most charming animal. A person with no knowledge about skunks might even feel that the animal would make a perfect pet. Skunks also have a pretty reserved demeanor and will try to avoid conflict as much as possible. But don’t let the shyness and docile nature fool you. When a skunk feels threatened, its immediate … [Read more...]
Skunks and Their Natural History
Shy and gentle may not be the qualities that come to mind when you think of skunks. More likely, you’re thinking about their noxious musk spray, or maybe wondering how to trap a skunk. But there’s much more to know about skunks than this. Common, yet seldom seen, these small mammals are versatile and important members of the ecosystems in which they live—yes, even in your own community. Skunk Appearance Five of the nine skunk species are found … [Read more...]
Want to Repel Skunks?
Have you been noticing an unpleasant musky smell coming from under your porch or deck and suspect a skunk is living there? Or maybe you’ve seen telltale signs of skunks foraging in your garden or digging for grubs in your lawn. If these sorts of things have you thinking about rounding up chemicals to get repel skunks living in your yard, read on. Another approach will bring quicker, more lasting results. Encouraging skunks to leave your … [Read more...]
How to Keep Wildlife Out this Winter
As temperatures drop and winds pick up, it’s easy to understand why raccoons, skunks, squirrels, bats, mice, and other small creatures are looking for safety and warmth. But, why, you may ask, must it be in your attic, chimney, or basement? Or, perhaps, someone’s decided to make the space under your porch or deck their winter home. If you want to know how to keep wildlife out this winter, this article is just what you’re searching for. You’ll … [Read more...]
Safe Driving Tips to Avoid Collisions with Wildlife
It’s autumn, a time when animals are on the move and the days are growing shorter. When wildlife is moving it means they are crossing roads, so you’re right to be concerned about accidentally hitting an animal. You’re ahead of most drivers, simply by being aware of the need to be watchful to avoid collisions with wildlife. But here are more tips to keep both you and wildlife safe—at all times, and especially during the shift in seasons and … [Read more...]
Feed Wild Birds & Avoid Wildlife Conflicts
Most of us feed birds because we enjoy bird-watching and want to help wildlife in some way. But did you know that feeding wild birds may actually create conflicts with other wild animals or perhaps even harm the birds? Here are a few things to consider when feeding wild birds to avoid conflicts and unintended harm. Avoid the bird seed buffet Let’s face it - birds are not the tidiest eaters. Some rake through what is being offered to find … [Read more...]
Baby Wild Animals on the Move
Just like our own kids, baby wild animals ultimately are compelled to strike out on their own. Occasionally they may hang around a little longer than expected, but parents eventually give them a good-natured nudge to find their own turf. Either way, you may see these animals—foxes, raccoons, skunks, armadillos, black bears, mountain lions, or others native to your area—in your yard as they look for a suitable place to live. Usually, they continue … [Read more...]
Skunks in Love on Valentine’s Day
We may think of Valentine’s Day as a human custom, but it seems that skunks celebrate it, too. Awakening from their winter slumber in mid-February—or a tad later farther north—male and female skunks quickly slip into a romantic mood and begin seeking one another’s company. Yes, love is in the air, and it’s pretty clear what they have in mind! Here’s a little peek into the secret life of skunks, along with helpful tips for you as a homeowner when … [Read more...]