Pepé Le Pew is one of the most beloved skunks off all time; unfortunately, skunks in real life can be quite the nuisance and not so charming.

There are over 10 species of skunks in the world but only two species of skunks live in California; the spotted skunk (below) and the striped skunk (left) which happens to be the most common.

There are several problems associated with skunks including:

Carry diseases – Skunks may be annoying but they are also considered a health concern because they can and often do carry rabies. If you have been bitten by a skunk, regardless of its behavior, seek medical attention. Behavior of skunks with rabies is similar to other mammals with the infectious disease; wild skunks that seem domesticated, unafraid of humans and wander around during the day may have rabies. Skunks can also carry listeriosis, canine distemper and canine hepatitis to name a few diseases.

They Stink – Skunks are infamous for their spraying. They spray as a defense mechanism and can spray up 10-12 feet. Skunk musk is a mixture of sulfur-containing chemicals and is expelled from glands on their back end. The odor of skunk spray is strong enough to keep bears away and is thought to be detectable to a downwind human nose up to a mile away.

Skunk Odor Removal Note: Do not try to store this solution. A small chemical reaction occurs when the solution is mixed; the expanding gases of the mixture could explode if stored in a bottle.

Dig Your Garden and Lawn – These nocturnal animals eat insects, berries, grains, eggs and even garbage; they have no problem digging small holes in your lawn hoping to find a nice grub or two.

Have Skunks? You do have a few options but it may be best to call your local pest control company; chances are they know the most efficient way to solve your skunk problems. If you do want to try some DIY skunk removal, trapping is an option although it’s best to have experience before trapping a skunk. Beware, in California you can not relocate the skunk to another area without a permit.

Some people claim to have success with using ammonia as repellent and to “chase” them from under decks, patios, etc…

There are a few steps you can take to reduce the chances of having a skunk problem.

• Exclusion or sealing common nesting spaces such as under decks and porches is an excellent way to keep the skunks from sharing your house with you; just make sure there aren’t any skunks already in the space you plan to block off.
• Controlling the bugs in your yard is another way to prevent skunks from hanging around. Also, keep pet food, bird feed, etc… in tightly sealed containers and out of skunk reach if possible. Remember, pests look for food, shelter and water and they’ll stick around if they’re given everything they need.

{photo credit top left: Charles and Clint}

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