Skunk removal in Des Moines and surrounding areas
Nuisance Skunks for home and landowners has it’s challenges. One of the major problems with skunks comes from their digging. They can burrow under porches or buildings and enter foundation openings. Skunks can also dig holes in golf courses and in residential lawns in search of insects. They may also dig where fertilizers such as bonemeal, bloodmeal, or fishmeal have been applied. These holes are usually small and can be identified by a conical shape, and a 3-4 inch diameter. Skunks can also dig holes that appear to simply be overturned earth. It is important to remember, however, that many other animals, including domestic dogs, can dig holes in much the same fashion.
Skunks can also feed on farmer’s crops such as corn, but usually results in minor damage. When it does occur, however, they often feed only on the bottom ears. When the entire stalk is damaged or knocked down, it is usually raccoons or deer to blame. In poultry coops, eggs eaten by skunks will be damaged on one end and are usually crushed inward. In the event they kill any of the fowl, only 1 or 2 will be affected but this is much more unlikely of an event for skunks than other animals such as dogs, raccoons, weasels, or minks. When these animals get into coops they will kill several fowl at a time. Dogs will usually cause considerably more damage than any of the other previously mentioned species. They often cause severe mutilation to the birds.
Skunk removal in Des Moines and surrounding areas…
Do you have nuisance Skunks to remove from your property?
Contact Tony Huffman with ROGS Wildlife Service
Veteran Owned • LGBTQ+ friendly
515.669.0741
SERVICE AREAS
Skunk removal in Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, Grimes, Urbandale, Waukee,
Norwalk, Indianola, Carlisle, West Des Moines, and Altoona
More about Skunks
When most people think of skunks, the first thing that comes to mind is the musky odor often associated with this species. Just the thought of being sprayed, or having a pet being sprayed, brings nauseating thoughts to mind.
Musk is a defense mechanism used by skunks to defend themselves against would-be predators. Musk is a compound known as butylmercaptan. It is an oily liquid that is creamy and yellowish. Its smell is derived from a sulfur compound. Musk can cause symptoms such as nausea, teary eyes, burning in the nose, and in extreme cases, temporary blindness when sprayed directly into the eyes. Skunks can spray musk as far as 12-15 feet, but only spray as a last resort. When skunks feel threatened they will stomp their front feet, snarl, raise their tail, and arch their back as a warning. Only after all this showmanship will a skunk spray. When it finally does spray, it will turn its behind toward the target and emit the musk from a pair of glands near the anus. These glands are nozzle-like in structure and are powered by a set of strong hip muscles. Contrary to popular belief, a skunk can spray musk even when it’s hind legs are off the ground, or when hoisted by the tail. It is important to remember that musk causes no permanent ill effects.
Skunks can be carriers of the rabies virus, and if infected, it is usually with the strain of the virus normally associated with raccoons. Their frequent inhabitance of urban and agricultural areas makes them a suitable medium for exposure to humans and pets. Skunk rabies has occurred primarily in the Midwest, ranging from Texas to Alberta. Vaccinations are available to protect pets from contracting this disease. If you, or a family member or child is bitten or scratched by a skunk or any wild animal, it is vitally important to seek medical attention. Also, when pets encounter a skunk, be sure to call your local animal control officer. When you or a family member is scratched or bitten, be sure to call the Department of Health, and a Department of Environmental Management Enforcement officer. If an officer can trap the animal and have it tested, you may be able to avoid getting rabies shots if it tests negative. The rabies virus is carried in saliva and other bodily fluids, therefore it can be transmitted by bites or scratches. Skunks also carry diseases such as Canine Hepatitis, which poses no heath concerns for humans, and is not to be confused with the hepatitis virus associated with humans.
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More info about Skunks available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skunk
Content adapted from Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.