Skunk Trapping and Removal in NYC, Long Island, and New Jersey
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Skunks are primarily nocturnal animals that feed mainly on insects, small rodents, earthworms, fruits, nuts, and berries. In urban areas, they will also feed on human garbage, spilled food, and pet food.
Skunks are rather passive animals who rarely attack and are primarily beneficial. They are disliked mainly because of their ability to spray a powerful stream of noxious fluid when startled.
But in reality, skunks rarely spray unless they are terrified for their lives. In most cases, they give two warnings before spraying: first, they arch their backs and start stamping their front feet; and second, they raise their tails. Only if the person or animal that they perceive to be a threat persists do they let loose with their ultimate weapon.
But once they do, well, let's just say that few people or animals who have been sprayed by a skunk make the same mistake twice.
Skunks usually become a problem only when they take up residence in, under, or around homes or places of business. Their unpleasant smell, plus the threat of being sprayed, make them unwelcome neighbors. In addition, skunks harbor fleas, ticks, mites,and other parasites who have the potential of causing diseases, and are susceptible to rabies.
Control of Skunks
In most cases, skunk control consists simply of trapping and removing the animals. If they have taken up residence in or under a building, however, cleaning, deodorizing, and exclusion will be necessary after the animals are removed.
Like all nuisance wildlife, skunks should only be handled by trained, professional animal handlers. If skunks or other nuisance animals have become a problem in or around your home or business, call the experts at Pest Quest Pest Management.