Skunks can be a doggone problem
This week I’ve received several calls from folks that have problems with skunks. Because of the number of calls (six), I thought it would be a great topic to discuss in this week’s article.
Last Thursday I was walking to our back barn, my dogs, Keikai and Peewee were running around the yard doing what dogs do. I noticed out of the side of my eye a black animal running across the yard.
Suddenly Keikai bellowed and started bouncing all over the yard and Peewee darted under the tool shed. All of the sudden, Peewee shot out from under the tool shed with two skunks right behind.
Before I could think, both dogs ran straight for me. Soon, Keikai and Peewee were rubbing their stink all over me. I started gagging; finally, I managed to get to my feet and staggered to the house with both dogs in tow whimpering behind me. Gosh, what a mess
Skunks are near-sighted, omnivores and have a healthy appetite for grubs and insects. They will also consume mice and baby rats. They normally do not engage in long foraging trips, their area normally ranges within a few hundred acres from the den. They can stay active all year but will stay in the den during cold periods.
The only real defense a skunk has is to spray a noxious odor, which is created by sulfuric acid and body oils from their anal glands. They can and do bite but most often don’t. From firsthand experience, a skunk can spray standing on its head with you holding its tail. (Please don’t ask how I know that.) Generally they won’t spray without first displaying a warning of stamping their front feet.
To find out if a skunk is under your house or deck, sprinkle a fair amount of flour in the suspected entrance. Because skunks are nocturnal, check the entrance area for tracks a few hours after dark. Once the animal is gone, seal the entrance with a heavy gauge of chicken wire to prevent further entry. Before sealing the entrance, flood the area with light for several days, making sure the entrance is bright. When the skunk returns before dawn they will be repelled by the light and blocked by the chicken wire, they will go elsewhere to sleep.
If you get sprayed use the following formula: a quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, one-fourth cup of baking soda and a teaspoon of Dawn liquid dish soap.
Mix these ingredients together in a bucket and coat yourself thoroughly. Rinse the mixture off after several minutes. If the smell is still there, do it again.
If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What would Ed do? For more information about Ed, and his new handyman services, check him out at NWEES.COM.
n Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection & remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.