We all know the scent of a skunk. It’s unmistakable, and it’s not something you want to smell in your home. Skunks can be a real nuisance, and if they’re living near your home, you need to take steps to get them removed as soon as possible. At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we’re experts at skunk removal, and we’re here to help you get rid of these smelly pests.
Skunks in Cincinnati, OH
Skunks may look harmless and cute looking with their black and white fur. However their spray can be incredibly potent and offensive, if they feel threatened, they will not hesitate to use it as a self-defense mechanism.
Skunks are from the weasel family and are the only member of the family that can spray their predators. Their natural habitat is in North America, but they have been known to migrate as far south as Mexico. They seem harmless but can be aggressive if they feel scared. Skunks are also known for their sharp claws and teeth, which they use to dig through garbage bins in search of food.
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Skunk Removal Cincinnati
In Cincinnati, skunks are common nuisance wildlife. The most common complaint is the skunk’s notorious spray, which can leave a nasty odor on your property.
The smell is a mixture of sulfur-containing chemicals that are sprayed from two glands located near the base of the skunk’s tail. Along with their strong sense of smell, they make this their defense mechanism to ward off predators.
Skunks are also known to dig holes in lawns and gardens, which can be a real pain for homeowners. Not to mention, they carry a number of health problems, which can be harmful to humans and animals.
They can be hard to get rid of once they’ve taken up residence on your property. The threat of being sprayed is usually enough to scare people off, and trying to trap them can be difficult, as they are very wary of traps.
That’s where we come in. Our wildlife removal specialists have the experience and knowledge to get rid of these animals safely and effectively. We use a variety of techniques, including trapping and removal, habitat modification, and exclusion fencing to keep them away for good.
Problems And Dangers Caused by Skunks
Skunks can bring a lot of problems to your home and the Cincinnati area. Aside from their foul smell, they can also cause problems that will cost you a lot of money to fix. Here are some of the common problems caused by skunks:
These creatures carry diseases
These critters have been known to carry rabies, and if you are bitten or scratched by one, you will need to seek medical attention immediately. They also carry parasites like ticks, ringworm, fleas, and other less dangerous diseases like mange, which can infest your pets or home.
They destroy gardens and lawns
Skunks love to dig in gardens and yards for grubs and other insects as food. They can also damage plants and trees with their sharp claws. So if they’re near your home and start living there, your garden will definitely suffer.
They stink up the place
The noxious smell that skunks spray can linger on your home for a long time, and it’s very hard to eliminate. A skunk smell will not only be unpleasant, but it can also attract other pests like flies and mosquitoes.
They can cause structural damage
Skunks are known for their digging habits, and they can easily burrow under decks, sheds, and porches for protection and warmth. This can cause serious damage to your home’s foundation and lead to even more problems down the road.
They create unpleasant and unsanitary conditions
Skunks will defecate and urinate anywhere they please, which can create unsanitary conditions in your house. If you have young children or pets, this can be a real health hazard.
Skunks carry parasites
Skunks are known to carry parasites, including fleas, mites, lice, and ticks. They also carry ringworm and other less dangerous diseases. These parasites will infest your home if you allow them to live on your premises.
Signs That Skunks Are On Your Property
A skunk’s strong smell is one of the most obvious signs that they are on your property. But there are also other signs that you should look out for, such as:
Tracks in the mud or snow
Skunk tracks are easy to spot because they have five toes on both their front and back feet with furrows from their claws. If you see these tracks around your premises, it’s a sign that they are already living there.
Holes in your lawn
If there are holes, small or big, in your lawn, then it is likely that a skunk is living there. Skunks love to dig and will make these holes as they search for food or as they enlarge their den.
Skunk Droppings
Skunks are unhygienic animals that will leave their droppings everywhere. Their droppings look like tubes with blunt ends just like a feline’s. You will know that it’s a skunk dropping when it has undigested seeds and insect exoskeletons.
Noises coming from under your deck or shed
If you’re hearing strange noises coming from under your deck or shed, especially during the night, then it’s likely that there are skunks living there. They crawl spaces under these areas to find shelter and warmth.
How to Get Rid of Skunks
As with all wild animals, you have to be extra careful when removing them as they are unpredictable and dangerous. Getting sprayed is a primary concern, but getting scratched or bitten by a skunk is also a possibility.
Removing them is not an easy task, and if you think you can do it on your own, you’re wrong. To properly trap the animal, you have to know their habits and where they are living. You also need to know what bait to use, as skunks are not easy to trap.
People often get surprised when they find out that there are skunks living on their premises. These animals are not only a nuisance, but they can also be quite dangerous. The best way to get rid of them is to call professionals (like us!). We know how to properly trap and remove the animal, as well as how to prevent them from coming back. Don’t put yourself in danger by trying to remove them on your own.
If you have a wildlife problem including skunks, call the professionals at AAAC Wildlife Removal Cincinnati.
How to Keep Skunks Away
Shelter, food, and water sources are what attract skunks to properties in Cincinnati. They typically eat whatever they can find, including insects, small mammals, fruits, and vegetables so removing potential food sources is the first step in keeping them away.
You can also make your yard as inhospitable as possible by trimming your bushes, removing dens, and sealing off any entry points. Here are some more tips to help keep them away from your house:
Remove Pet Food and Water Bowls at Night
As skunks eat any food that looks good to them, pet food is one of their favorites. If you leave your pet’s food and water bowls outside at night, then you’re just inviting them to come and feast on them. So, it’s best to remove these bowls at night and bring them back in the morning.
Clean Up Fallen Fruits and Vegetables
If you have a garden, make sure to clean up any fallen fruits or vegetables. This will prevent these black-and-white mammals from being attracted to your home. You should also consider putting up a fence around your garden to keep them out.
Keep Your Garbage Cans Tightly Closed
Another food source for skunks is your trash can. So, if you have garbage cans in your premises, make sure to keep them tightly closed. You can also put a heavy object on top of the lid to prevent them from opening it.
Potential Water Sources Should be Removed
Broken or leaky sprinklers, birdbaths, and kiddie pools are potential water sources for skunks. If you have any of these in your home, make sure to fix them.
Seal Off Any Holes or Cracks in Your Home
Skunks will take advantage of any openings or cracks in your home to get inside. So, it’s important to seal them off. If you have a garden, make sure to seal off any holes or cracks in your fence. You can also install a mesh wire to keep these black-and-white mammals from burrowing under the fence.
Remove Debris
Your property looking like a jungle will make pests, including skunks, feel at home and not easily be detected. So, it’s important to keep it clean and free of debris. Make sure to regularly remove any debris around your house. This will also discourage them from living there.
Take Care of Insect Infestations
Insects are one of the food sources of skunks. So, if you have an insect infestation on your premises, it will only attract more of these critters. Make sure to take care of any insect infestations as soon as possible. AAAC Wildlife Removal can help you with this, as we also offer pest control services.
Skunk Removal Near Me
Calling a professional wildlife control and removal company is the best way for skunk control. AAAC Wildlife Removal offers Cincinnati skunk removal services that are affordable and effective. We also offer preventive solutions to keep them from coming back.
Our specialists have the experience, knowledge, and equipment with all kinds of wild animals, including skunks. We know about their behavior and how to safely remove them from your place. Our friendly and experienced staff is always ready to help you with your skunk problem and questions about our services.
Cincinnati Skunk Removal And Wildlife Damage Repair
Skunks can cause a lot of damage to your home and can make it look unappealing. That’s why our specialists also offer wildlife damage repair services. We can repair any damage that they have caused inside and outside your home to make it look new again.
Dead Animal Removal
If you have a dead animal on your premises, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. AAAC Wildlife Removal of Cincinnati offers dead animal removal services that are affordable and effective. We can remove any dead animals, including skunks from your home so you don’t have to worry about the smell and the bacteria they produce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Hamilton County Animal Services Remove Skunks?
A: Hamilton county animal services does not remove skunks or any other wildlife animals. They only provide services for domestic animals, such as cats and dogs.
Q: What Do You Do with a Trapped Skunk in Ohio?
A: Trapped skunks can only be released on the same property from where they were captured or be euthanized.
Q: Do Ohio Skunks Hibernate?
A: In spite of storing fat and spending long periods in winter dens, they do not hibernate, and they sometimes roam about in search of food during warmer winter nights. They breed at the end of February or early in March. As they become more active this time of year, skunk spray can be spotted more easily.
Q: Can You Relocate Skunks in Ohio?
A: The relocation of trapped skunks in Ohio is illegal. Trapping and relocating animals are prohibited by law in order to prevent the spread of rabies and other diseases. They may only be euthanized on-site or released in the place where they were trapped.
