All About Skunks

P.U.! Do you smell that? Smells like a skunk problem.

These pests need no introduction. Skunks’ infamous spray liquid causes the noses of countless Canadians to scrunch up in fear of that potent, unpleasant odour.

Order/Family

Mephitidae

Scientific Name

Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis

Biology and Skunks’ Diet

Contrary to popular belief, skunks are not part of the weasel family, but are more closely related to badgers. Skunks have elongated bodies with contrasting short, strong legs, black fur and long front claws ideal for digging.

While most skunks have white stripes, some striped skunks are brown or grey, and a few are cream-coloured. Having said that, all skunks are striped from birth. However, the rare spotted skunk has such a profusion of stripes that they look like zebras!

What do skunks eat? Skunks’ diet is omnivorous, eating any plant or animal material available to them in the season. In residential areas, skunks’ diet consists mainly of scavenging through human garbage. They’ll also dig holes in the yards of homes in search of grubs and worms.

They are perhaps best known for their anal scent glands, their primary defensive weapon. You’re probably well aware of this skunk trait. Many of our wildlife control inquiries revolve around getting rid of that skunk smell! We bet you’re wondering what skunks eat to make that nasty smell? It’s actually made from a mix of sulphurous chemicals called “thiols” or mercaptans.

Skunk Behaviour and Skunks’ Habitat

Where do skunks live? Skunks prefer open areas of mixed forests. They are solitary and they favour darkness. Skunks’ habitats are communal dens in frigid climates. In the daytime, they make burrows with their potent front claws to act as a skunks’ habitat. It’s quite common to stumble upon abandoned dens in late February.

Although they have supreme senses of smell and hearing, skunks have poor vision and are unable to see things more than three metres away. This often results in skunks becoming road kill. A skunk’s life expectancy isn’t long to begin with. Lifespans can last up to seven years in the wild, though most live up to one year. Perhaps that’s why skunk behaviour is so rotten!

Getting Rid of Skunks

The second best way to get rid of skunks is exclusion. This can be accomplished by ensuring there are no holes near your home in which they can create a den. That means installing physical barriers to prevent entry.

Further measures to rid of skunks include being aware of and removing any habitat they may find suitable. This includes brush, woodpiles, shady vegetation, and vehicles on your property. However, we do not recommend smoking them out with homemade explosive devices as this gentlemen from the United States attempted.

The best way to get rid of skunks is to contact a certified pest control company like Terminix Canada. We specialize in getting rid of skunks fast!