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BREAKING THE CYCLE OF SKUNKS ON YOUR PROPERTYPosted on: 2009-12-30No doubt you’ve smelled them and considered that smell an aromatic inconvenience. But skunks in Contra Costa County are more than a mere inconvenience; they are a risk to public health.
The county is home to two types of skunks: the Striped and Spotted Skunk and both are capable of transmitting rabies. That makes them one of the five vectors for which the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District provides free service. The District also provides free services for mosquitoes, rats, yellowjackets and ticks.
County residents that have evidence of skunk habitation on their property can contact the District for free inspection and advice from a state certified Vector Control Technician or Inspector. The inspection includes checking the property for signs that the skunk has taken up residence, and detailed information on how to remove the skunk and prevent it from returning.
The goal is to prevent the skunk from viewing your property as a safe haven.
“Skunks are nocturnal mammals that look for food, water and a place to set up a den,” says Vertebrate Program Supervisor Jonathan Rehana.
“Key to discouraging skunks from moving in is to pick up fallen fruit and nuts, take in pet food at night and be sure your yard is treated to prevent the lawn pest known as grubs,” adds Rehana. Skunks are also attracted to uncovered garbage cans, fallen birdseed and water sources.
Once food is denied, removing options for shelter is the next step.
Rehana says, “Skunks do not climb. They will not climb a fence or wall. They stay at ground level, so it’s important to look under sheds, porches, decks and foundations to make sure those areas are sealed off.”
Installing half inch galvanized hardware cloth can prevent skunks from entering those areas. Additionally, skunks can find shelter in wood piles and thick vegetation. Moving the wood piles at least 18 inches off of the ground and thinning thick vegetation will discourage skunks as well.
And this is a key time to discourage them.
“This time of the year, the female skunks spend most of their time in dens, preparing for the birth of their young.” Rehana points out, during late spring and early summer those young skunks are born and as they venture out of the den during the summer, they can become very aggressive - increasing skunk odor in neighborhoods with activity. They can also be quite destructive, scratching, clawing and digging their way to create havoc.
Through the fall, the young and mature skunks search for food and water until that mating season starts in winter and the whole process begins again.
Homeowners with evidence of skunk activity on their property can call the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District at 925-771-6184 to request a free inspection. A District employee will contact the homeowner within five workdays to set up the inspection.
The District provides detailed information during the free inspection and on our web site www.ccmvcd.dst.ca.us on how to break the skunk cycle and rid your property of these pests that are more than an inconvenience. They are a risk to public health.
The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District is a public health agency that has been protecting public health since 1927!!
Nola Woods is a Community Affairs Representative who offers free presentations on the District’s valuable services to all Contra Costa County residents and organizations. Contact Nola at 925-771-6158.
Website:www.ccmvcd.dst.ca.usEmail:nwoods@ccmvcd.net
