Driving along Payette roads, you will probably come across a skunk or two that has ventured too close to traffic. While they can be interesting to observe, they can also be a nuisance if they come too close to your home or yard. These small mammals can pack a punch, releasing a strong-smelling, oily liquid when threatened or spooked.
Quick Facts
Size: About the size of a house cat. Adults can range from 8-19 inches in length, with tails 5-15 inches long.
Lifespan: Up to 3 years in the wild.
Diet: Fruits, eggs, insects & larvae, reptiles, fish. They are known to attack and kill chickens.
Habitat: Forest edges, woodlands, grasslands and deserts. Skunks generally live in underground burrows, in hollow logs, or even under buildings, decks, and porches. Skunks are excellent diggers, thanks to their sharp front claws.
Reproduction: Mating season ranges from February-April. Female skunks give birth to a litter every year, April-June. Their litters range from 2-10 kits.
Why keep skunks off your property?
- Skunks can spray a strong-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism, which can be unpleasant and difficult to remove.
- Skunks can dig up lawns and gardens in search of insects to eat, causing damage to your landscaping. They may also dig under a home or other structure, causing damage to foundations.
- Skunks can carry and transmit diseases such as rabies, which can be transmitted to humans or pets if they are bitten or scratched.
- Skunks can carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, which can also be transmitted to humans or pets.
Payette Control, Trapping, and Removal
If you suspect skunks are on your property, contact us today! Our professional technicians will perform a thorough inspection of your property to determine the most effective Payette skunk control solution.
If skunks are invading your property, contact us at (208) 949-1003.