Skunk Removal & Trapping in MD, DC, & Northern VA
Trappro humanely removes skunks that have invaded your yard, shed, under porch of house or other areas of your home. Skunks will be trapped and removed. Trappro will trap skunks throughout Maryland, Washington DC or Northern Virginia.
Description: Skunks are mammals with a length of approx. 15" - 30"+ inches, and weighing around 1 - 15+ lbs., characterized for their ability to emit a potent liquid to ward off predators and attackers. Skunks will spray a strong smelling liquid when threatened and as unappealing as it may be, this liquid is stored in the anal scent glands; skunks have one anal scent gland on each side of the anus. The liquid is strong enough to ward off bears, dogs, and other potential predators and muscles surrounding the scent glands allow for extremely accurate emission of this liquid (up to 10' ft. of range). The liquid is so strong it can cause temporary blindness and is very difficult to remove from clothing. Skunks are typically black & white with very distinct markings to warn potential predators and attackers, but will vary in color. They are typically very solitary animals, but may huddle together for warmth throughout the colder months; although they are not consistent hibernators during the winter, they will gather in a den for extended time periods due to weather. Scent and hearing are among their strongest senses, but sight is their downfall. Because of their poor site, many skunks are killed by vehicular traffic. They are typically ground animals; it is extremely rare to have skunks in an above ground area.
Food Sources: Skunks are scavengers, similar to raccoons, in that they can make use of just about any food source. They will feed on a mixture of small reptiles (lizards, snakes, frogs, salamanders) small mammals (rodents, chipmunks, moles) as well as birds, leaves, grass, nuts, berries, and an assortment of other items. Skunks are main predators to honey bees. Their strong, thick fur protects against stings.
Life span & reproduction: The cartoons were accurate; breeding season for skunks is early spring (February - May). Males will mate with multiple females during the season and after a gestation period of about 60 days or more, a litter of kits, approx. 3-10, are born blind, deaf, and with barely any fur. Kits gain sight approx. 3 weeks after birth, and are weaned from the mother about two months after initial birth. But skunk young will stay with their mother's until they are ready to mate at about one year of age. Although the male skunk plays no part in raising these young, skunk mothers are extremely protective and loving. Vehicular traffic is responsible for many skunk deaths, but typically in the wild skunks have a lifespan of about 5 years.
Typical areas of Entry: Skunks search for an entry point in to any structure simply because they want to gain entry for warmth & shelter. A large number of skunk invasions occur during breeding season because females are searching for a nest to birth and grow their young. Ground level openings are the main concern as we rarely see skunks in an area above ground. Skunks are partial to entering, but are not limited to entry through: Unscreened ground level crawlspaces/vents, open or damaged crawlspace doors, under sheds and hot tubs, and even directly beneath the foundation. Skunks will be urinating & defecating in the areas they habituate (ground level crawlspaces). The crawlspace will become soiled and an odor is likely to be profound due to the excrement & debris as well as the skunk's odor from spraying.
Typical treatment: First, a thorough inspection by a Trappro technician will be completed, area(s) of entry will be identified, and typically, Trapping/Removal for approximately 3 to 5 business days will be our first line of defense. Live cage traps will be set near the entry/access points. The open areas where the skunk(s) have gained entry will be monitored for activity during the duration of the trapping service. The technician will be placing a breakable barrier/screen/tape (whatever is available) over/inside the holes or entry points to monitor the skunk(s) movements in and out of the open areas. This technique allows us to record wild life movement & will assist in dictating the duration of the trapping service. Once a point of no activity has been reached, Trappro will feel comfortable removing the live traps & installing temporary screenings over the existing entry points. The trapping/removal service along with our patch is guaranteed against animal re-entry for 30 days. Trappro recommends permanently sealing the skunk(s) area(s) of entry. Upon the inspection, a proposal will be provided for permanent repairs to the home or structure. Trappro completes & warranties permanent repairs against wild life re-entry for up to 5 years. In some cases, skunks are not under or inside any specific form of shelter that requires repair.
If skunks are simply inhabiting or invading the yard with no specific point of entry, Trappro offers an Open Area trapping service for these purposes. Open area trapping is difficult simply because Trappro cannot force animals in to a trap; they must lead themselves inside before we are able to remove them from any property. Any animals/wildlife lead inside our traps will be removed. Trappro does not charge per animal or per trap.
Dangers: The number one concern when dealing with a skunk intrusion is the rate of transmitted rabies disease to these creatures. Rabies is the most highly transmitted disease with this type of wild life - and it can be easily transferred to humans and other animals with direct fluid contact (bite, scratch, etc.) NEVER approach a skunk that is discolored, looks/acts sick or confused, hunched over, or appears to be lacking nutrients. Cats & Dogs should be vaccinated & kept away from these creatures. Skunk excrement/droppings can also contain dangers such as roundworms, tapeworms, and various other parasites which are easily transferred to humans or pets.
Our professional trappers will also be able to seal up areas in shed or under porch and home where skunks have entered the home. Trapping and exclusion of skunks is available for homeowners and business owners throughout Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia.
