Do you live in the Cordova TN area? Are you experiencing problems with Skunks getting under your porch, house or commercial building?

Skunks are common in the Memphis area. As a result, customers can accidentally catch skunks when trapping for raccoons. If you accidentally catch a skunk and are not sure what to do, just give us a call and we will be happy to help. A caged skunk can be dealt with, and often without us getting sprayed or your belongings getting sprayed!

Skunk odor is caused by a unique chemical the skunk’s body manufactures. There’s chemistry behind that nasty scent! Pungent doesn’t begin to describe the smell of skunk spray. A skunk can discharge a nauseating, sulfur-alcohol spray from its scent glands as an intimidation tool. The odor has been likened to a mixture of perfume musk, essence of garlic, burning sulfur and sewer gas "magnified a thousand times”.

There are ten species of skunks that have been identified. The most common and recognizable is the Striped Skunk, which can be found in all of North America. Skunks are small animals, averaging in size from 20-to-30 inches in length and weigh about 6 to 10 pounds.

Skunks are Mustelids which means they are related to minks, ferrets, and weasels. Skunk odor is caused by a unique chemical compound that can be treated. However, tomato juice does not get rid of skunk odors.

Skunks prey on small animals, honey bees and birds. Because of their sharp claws, they are known for their excellent digging abilities. Rabies is the most substantial problem associated with skunks. In fact, in the Midwest of the United States, the skunk is the number one carrier of the Rabies Disease.

Skunks are nocturnal. If you encounter one during the day, you should definitely stay away from it. Above all, do not do anything to agitate it.  Don’t try to outrun a skunk! Skunks can run up to ten miles per hour!! In the wild, the lifespan of a skunk is about three years, but they can often survive ten years in captivity.

The chances are you have never seen a living wild skunk. The reason is these mammals are nocturnal and RARELY venture out during the day. Baby skunks really are cute; in fact, skunks never lose the cuteness of those soft little ears and that little white stripe running up the nose. Most of the time, skunks will pass through your property and you’ll never know they were there.

As nocturnal animals who avoid conflict, an excellent way to keep skunks out of your garden or yard is to use motion sensitive lights and sprinklers. Additionally, take care to seal small openings under decks, sheds or other areas that a skunk may decide is a potential den.  Burrowing underneath your porch or deck to prepare their den can create instability in the foundation.

Skunks rarely spray each other, but a hapless human or curious dog may not be so lucky. When skunks feel threatened, they give a warning before spraying by raising their tail, arching their back like an angry cat, hissing, growling, and stomping their rear feet. Then they start running at you and stomping, and if you don’t know what’s good for you by then, you probably deserve the spraying.

If you happen upon a skunk and are lucky enough to see the warning, get away FAST. A skunk can spray its victim as far as 10 or 15 feet away! All of these warnings are an effort to display their smelly intentions before they actually use their spray, because…

It takes 10 to 12 days to replenish their stinky supply. The natural production of their offensive spray isn’t quick. It can take nearly two weeks to make enough for just a few shots.

Like many smaller animals, the skunk’s weapons are all about self-defense, not offense. The organic sulfur-compound they eject from two small anal glands (known as a musk) indicates they taste bad – and the spray warns predators to stay away. Skunks are typically not aggressive, but will spray a very foul odor when they feel threatened.

A male skunk is called a ‘buck’ and the female skunk is called a ‘doe’. The baby skunk is called a ‘kit’. Female skunks give birth to a litter of two to ten babies each year. Skunks have a keen sense of smell and hearing, but they have very poor eyesight. Don’t try to outrun a skunk! Skunks can run up to ten miles per hour!! In the wild, the lifespan of a skunk is about three years, but they can often survive ten years in captivity.

So if you have a little black and white visitor that you need removed from your property, call Apex Wildlife Control  today.  Our trained technicians are skilled at safely and humanely removing your stinky little friend and relocating him to a wildlife reserve over twenty miles away.  We are here to help!

If You Need Skunk Removal, Fill Out The Contact Form Below. 

Or Call 901-598-8555 And One Of Our Friendly Office Staff Members Will Be Happy To Help You!