Skunks are common across North America, including Florida. They belong to the family Mephitidae and are divided into several species, such as the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and the eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius). Skunks are relatively small but are infamous for their foul-smelling odor and the damage they can cause to property. Here you can learn about all the key skunk information you may need to protect your home.
Skunks in Florida
The average US skunk is black and white, and about the size of an adult house cat. It produces an oily, yellow sulfur-alcohol compound that contains sulfuric acid. This pungent liquid is stored in two separate scent glands located on each side of the anus and can be squirted accurately at targets as far as six to 10 feet away as a self-defense mechanism. The secretion is acrid enough to cause nausea and can produce severe burning and temporary blindness if it strikes the eyes.
What Do Skunks Look Like?
Most skunks have black fur with either white stripes or white spots, though markings can vary by species. The striped skunk is the most common, easily recognized by its bold stripes running down its back. The spotted skunk, like the eastern spotted skunk, has broken patterns of white, often looking like white spots against black fur.
Skunk species like the hooded skunk and Conepatus leuconotus (American hog-nosed skunk) also show distinct features, including long fur and bushy tails. Skunks have strong forefeet or front paws with sharp claws for digging burrows and finding small mammals or insects to eat.
Signs of a Skunk Infestation
A strong, lingering skunk odor is the most obvious sign. You might also notice:
- Holes in your yard from digging with their front feet
- Dens under porches, sheds, or crawlspaces
- Tracks that show five toes on both the front and back paws
- Upset or sprayed pets
Because skunks are omnivores, they may be drawn to pet food, garbage, or bird seed left outside. If you smell a foul odor or find a dug-out area near your home, it’s worth checking for skunks.
Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Behaviors
Although each skunk species has unique traits, they all share the same exact everyday needs: shelter, food, and water. Understanding their habits can help homeowners identify early warning signs and prevent problems from escalating.
Where Do Skunks Live?
Skunks often use abandoned burrows dug by ground squirrels, foxes, or coyotes, enlarging them if necessary. In urban settings, they will dig dens under decks, porches, or beneath buildings. If other suitable dens are unavailable, skunks will burrow and construct their own dens. Often people ask do skunks hibernate? Skunks do not hibernate; but in regions with colder weather, they may congregate in communal dens for warmth. Skunks are attracted to residential areas due to the availability of food, water, and shelter.
Diet
Skunks are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes small mammals, insects, fruits, bird eggs, and even other animals like frogs or snakes. In urban areas, they may scavenge from trash or eat leftover pet food.
They use their strong front paws to dig and find insects or burrow into the ground. Skunks also help control pests like grubs and beetles, but their digging habits can tear up lawns and damage property foundations. Wildlife exclusion services provided by your local pest control company deal with both active and future wildlife problems to protect you, your pets, and your property.
Life Cycle
Skunks mate in late winter and give birth in spring. A female usually has four to seven young, called kits. Kits are born blind and deaf and rely on their mother for the first few weeks. After about three weeks, they can open their eyes, and by two months old, they can spray from their scent glands as a defense mechanism.
Most skunks live up to three years in the wild. Natural predators include coyotes, foxes, and the great horned owl, one of the few other animals that can prey on skunks despite their spray.
Behaviors
Skunks are primarily nocturnal animals, and their activity around buildings may go unnoticed until one takes up occupancy beneath a porch, deck, slab foundation, or encounters another animal, such as a dog. A pet that exhibits an offensive smell is an indicator that a skunk may be nearby.
Skunk spray is rich in thiol compounds and can travel several feet, causing intense discomfort. Contact your local veterinarian if you think your pet has been sprayed.
You might first notice their digging or smell before you see them. Either way, if you’ve noticed a skunk under your deck or porch, it’s time to contact a professional wildlife control service, because DIY traps may only offer a short-term fix.
Are Skunks Dangerous?
Skunks can carry diseases like rabies and distemper, which makes encounters with pets a serious concern. Their scent glands release a spray that can cause eye irritation and nausea. If your pet is sprayed or scratched by a skunk, consult a veterinarian right away.
Besides the risk of illness, they may damage lawns, crawlspaces, and property foundations when building dens. Some people may try home remedies like orange or lemon peel, castor oil, or ammonia, but the smell of skunk spray can linger for days.
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Get a FREE quoteHow to Get Rid of Skunks
Removing skunks on your own can be risky due to the threat of being sprayed or bitten. While some homeowners try repellents or traps, these are not always enough for lasting relief, and the skunks may return if shelter or food sources remain available.
Working with a wildlife technician who understands mephitidaes and their behaviors is a more reliable solution to eliminate existing infestations and protect against future invaders. Experts can help locate and remove skunks, seal off burrows, and advise on long-term exclusion.
Skunk Prevention Tips
Prevention is always better than a cure. Thankfully, there are some simple ways to reduce the chance of skunk infestations near or around your home:
- Bring pet food indoors at night
- Secure trash cans with tight lids
- Use fencing to block off decks and crawlspaces
- Keep your yard clear of debris that may offer shelter
- Close off entry points to sheds or outbuildings
These tips help reduce attractants for various skunk species like Spilogale, Conepatus, and Mephitis mephitis. If the problem persists, call your local wildlife pest control expert
Need Help with Nuisance Wildlife? We Can Help!
Our pest control experts live in the surrounding area and are familiar with the challenges of skunk species in Florida. If skunks are digging around your home or you’re dealing with lingering skunk odor, our technicians can help. We will inspect your property, find entry points, and offer effective removal and prevention solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Skunks Hibernate?
Skunks do not fully hibernate. In colder climates, they enter a semi-dormant state and may gather in communal dens during the winter months for warmth. In Florida, they stay active all year due to the mild weather.
How To Get Rid Of Skunk Smell?
Contrary to urban legend, tomato juice does not eliminate the pungent skunk odor. Mixing baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap can be effective. However, for persistent smells, contact a wildlife expert. Always check with a healthcare professional if your pet has been sprayed in the eyes or mouth.
Are Skunks Nocturnal?
Most skunks are nocturnal and forage for food at night. Their nighttime activity makes them hard to spot until you smell their skunk spray. You’re more likely to notice signs like digging or tracks before seeing one with your own eyes.
How Far Can A Skunk Spray?
Skunks can accurately spray up to 10 feet. Their scent glands hold enough spray for multiple uses but take time to refill. This spray is their main defense mechanism, used only when they feel threatened.
Are Skunks Rodents?
Though often mistaken for a rodent, skunks are part of the family Mephitidae, not Rodentia. They are more closely related to weasels and polecats, and their unique anal glands set them apart.
