Skunk Control – Removal
Skunks are easily one of the most frightening nuisance animals to discover around your home. Beyond their infamous ability to blast perceived enemies with an unbelievably pungent spray (which can travel an impressive distance of up to 23 feet), they pose major health hazards to your family.
In fact, skunks are one of the leading carriers of rabies throughout the KC metro area, including Kansas City, Overland Park, Lenexa, Olathe, Blue Springs, and Lee's Summit, MO.
Do you need Kansas City skunk removal or control? Our wildlife removal experts can help!
Because skunks are generally nocturnal by nature, spotting one wandering your property during daylight hours is a massive red flag. If you see a skunk near your home during the day, call Cridder Ridder as soon as possible, as it may be rabid. While it is rare for a skunk to bite a human, an attack is highly possible if the animal is infected with rabies.
Our Skunk Trapping & Exclusion Process
Skunks can be tremendously destructive to your property. Armed with remarkably strong forefeet and long nails, they are excellent diggers. Property owners often discover their lawns, flower beds, gardens, and even local golf courses completely destroyed by skunks searching for grubs.
They are also known to prey upon small farm animals and ground-nesting birds. When these digging pests decide to burrow and create dens under your home's foundation, porch, or shed, professional skunk trapping and removal is necessary.
Our team approaches your infestation by addressing the root of the problem:
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Professional Trapping: We safely and efficiently trap and remove the offending animals from your yard to prevent damage and protect your family from spray events.
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Exclusion: Trapping is only half the battle. Skunk control requires installing a permanent physical obstruction. We secure your property’s perimeter to permanently block skunks from re-digging into old burrows or entering foundation openings.
Important Skunk Facts & Behavior
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Skunks don't actually want to spray as their very first line of defense. They typically only attack when they are completely cornered or actively defending their young. Before lifting their tail to unleash their famous odor, a threatened skunk will growl, spit, fluff its fur, violently shake its tail, and loudly stamp the ground.
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They are highly opportunistic omnivores. While they prefer feasting on insects and grubs, their diet is incredibly flexible and shifts with the seasons to include vast amounts of varying plant and animal matter.
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Skunks do not hibernate, but they become mostly inactive during the coldest winter months, often huddling together in communal dens for warmth. Outside of winter, these nocturnal animals forage and live alone.
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Mating season is one of the rare times skunks socialize. From late April through early June, females birth litters ranging from one to seven young.
Dangers of Skunk Diseases
Having a skunk near your home puts you at risk of several diseases that can be harmful or even fatal to people, pets, or other wildlife:
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Rabies: As a primary rabies carrier in Missouri and Kansas, skunks transmit this deadly virus through infected saliva. Transmission usually happens through a scratch or bite. If left untreated, a rabies infection in humans can cause death.
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Canine Distemper: This virus is highly contagious and easily spread to other animals, particularly domestic dogs. Distemper is spread when uninfected animals come into contact with the urine of an infected skunk. While this disease does not affect humans, you should ensure your dogs are vaccinated to prevent this dangerous infection.
Our Comprehensive Wildlife Control
In addition to our premier Kansas City skunk removal services, Cridder Ridder also specializes in the safe trapping and removal of:
Important Note: While we are always happy to help with all of your skunk control and wildlife removal needs in Kansas City, if you require assistance with a domestic animal like a stray dog or cat, you need to call your local county animal control services for help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skunk Removal
Why is there a skunk in my yard during the daytime?
Skunks are strictly nocturnal creatures. If you spot one wandering around your Kansas City property during daylight hours, it is a major red flag. Daytime activity is a strong indicator that the animal is sick, disoriented, or infected with rabies. Do not approach the skunk, immediately bring all pets indoors, and call Cridder Ridder right away for professional assistance.
Can I use DIY repellents to scare a skunk away from my deck?
We strongly advise against it. Store-bought repellents, predator urine, ammonia, and mothballs are highly ineffective at keeping a determined skunk away from a secure den. Furthermore, using DIY chemicals like mothballs in crawl spaces can release toxic fumes into your home, putting your family and pets at risk. The only guaranteed, permanent solution is professional trapping combined with structural exclusion.
How do I know if a skunk is digging in my yard, or if it's another animal?
Skunks have a very specific digging pattern known as "grubbing." Because their favorite foods are grubs and earthworms, they use their long front claws to dig small, perfectly cone-shaped holes throughout lawns, gardens, and golf courses. If you are seeing these shallow, conical holes and occasionally catching a whiff of a musky odor, you likely have a skunk problem.
What happens after you trap the skunk? Will another one just take its place?
If left untreated, an empty burrow will absolutely attract new wildlife. That is why Cridder Ridder doesn't just stop at trapping. Once the offending skunk is safely removed, we offer professional exclusion services. We install a heavy-duty, dig-proof physical barrier around the perimeter of your deck, shed, or foundation. This permanent obstruction blocks skunks from ever re-entering the old den.
Contact Us for Skunk Removal Today!
Are you tired of dealing with destructive digging and foul odors? For the absolute best skunk removal services in Kansas City, Overland Park, Lenexa, Olathe, Shawnee, Leawood, Prairie Village, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, and Independence, call our trusted wildlife experts today!
Call (913) 851-2176 now to secure your property and eliminate your skunk problem for good.