Skunk Removal in Austin

FUN FACT

Did you know that Texas is home to multiple skunk species, including the striped skunk, the spotted skunk, and the hog-nosed skunk? One unique aspect of skunk behavior in Texas is their use of urban environments for denning, often finding cozy spots under porches, sheds, and even in crawl spaces.

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Identification Skunks are well-known for their distinctive black and white stripes and their potent defense mechanism – their spray. This spray, produced by glands under their tail, is a mix of sulfur-containing chemicals called thiols, which can be detected even in tiny amounts. Skunks have excellent aim and can spray accurately up to 10 feet away. Before spraying, they usually warn predators by stamping their feet and raising their tail.

Habitat and Behavior Skunks are highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including urban areas. Common urban habitats for skunks include brush piles, abandoned burrows, and spaces underneath structures like crawl spaces, porches, and sheds. Skunks are nocturnal and most active at dusk and dawn. While they often forage for food in urban green spaces, they generally avoid frequent human interaction unless their habitat overlaps with residential areas.

Prickly Pear’s Approach Exclusion: We identify and seal entry points under decks, porches, and sheds using durable materials to prevent skunks from taking up residence. Habitat Modification: We help make your property less inviting by securing trash cans and compost bins, removing potential food sources, and keeping your yard well-lit and free of overgrown areas. Humane Solutions: If a skunk has already taken up residence, our professionals use humane traps and exclusion methods to safely relocate the animal without harm.

Conclusion Skunks, despite their notorious spray, play a crucial role in urban ecosystems. They control pests like insects and rodents, disperse seeds, and contribute to plant pollination. However, their presence can be undesirable near homes. Prickly Pear Wildlife offers expert services to manage skunk populations and secure your property, ensuring peaceful coexistence. If you notice signs of skunks around your home, contact us for professional help in keeping these fascinating creatures at bay.

Skunk Removal in Austin: Getting Them Out From Under the House

In Central Texas, skunks look for the same things every year: a dry, dark space under a porch, deck, shed or pier-and-beam house, close to a yard full of grubs. Late winter is mating season, so that’s when people start noticing the smell, and spring is when a mother may move in to have her young.

How we remove skunks without a mess

Locate the den and set a camera to count how many skunks are using it. Families of six or more aren’t unusual.
Trap carefully. We use enclosed or covered traps. A skunk that can’t see out stays calm and rarely sprays, which keeps the job clean for you and for us.
Use a one-way door when it’s the better option, so the skunks leave on their own and can’t get back in.
Seal the space. Hardware cloth is buried in an L shape along the deck, porch or foundation edge, because skunks will dig under a barrier that sits on the surface.

Signs you have a skunk

Musky odor near the foundation or a deck, strongest at night
Small cone-shaped holes in the lawn where they’ve dug for grubs
A hole under a slab, porch step or shed with fresh dirt
Pets that come in smelling of spray

Skunk questions we hear

Are skunks a rabies risk?

Yes. Skunks are one of the main rabies carriers in Texas. Don’t try to handle one, and call a doctor if anyone is bitten or scratched.

My dog got sprayed. What helps?

A mix of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and a little dish soap works better than tomato juice. Keep it out of the eyes, rinse well, and talk to your vet if your dog’s eyes are irritated.

Skunks and lawns

The small round holes skunks dig are them hunting grubs. If the digging keeps up after the skunk is gone, the grubs are the attraction. See our beetle and grub page.

Skunks also move under homes with pier-and-beam foundations through gaps in the skirting, so we check the full perimeter, not just the hole you found.

We handle skunk removal across Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Hutto, Georgetown, Leander and Cedar Park.

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