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Spring Pests
While we have been anxiously waiting for a reprieve from
the bitter winter, Spring also brings about some not so
desirable critters. Skunks often flourish this time of year
and are often unbearable by most due to their spray. Here
are some humane solutions to unwanted skunk situations.
Preventing Problems with Skunks
- Do not encourage skunks by feeding them.
- Keep pet food and watering dishes inside, especially
at night.
- Do not allow spillage to accumulate outside bird
feeders.
- Keep grills and barbecues clean. Even the smallest
food scraps may attract skunks.
- Do not keep garbage cans outside if possible.
- Cover window wells.
- Use welded wire to exclude animals from underneath
decks, elevated sheds, openings under concrete slabs and
porches. Secure outside access to crawl spaces.
Skunks Living in Your Yard
Skunks prefer forest borders where water is nearby.
Common den and resting sites include hollow logs, wood or
rock piles and porches and access to crawl spaces under
houses.
Recommended Deterrent Techniques:
- Place lighting (such as bright flashlights or flood
lamp) in their den. If it is not possible to keep
lighting on for 24 hours a day, the lights must be on
during the daytime to disturb this nocturnal animal’s
sleep.
- Play a radio either in or near their den. It is best
to leave the radio on during the daytime to disturb the
animal’s sleep.
- Place rags soaked in ammonia in the den for one week
and re-soak the rags on a daily basis thereafter.
- Deterrent techniques should be used for at least 7 –
10 days and it is important to use all the techniques at
the same time in order for the deterrents to be
successful.
- To determine if the animal has left the den site,
wad up newspaper and pack it into the den entrance (also
helps hold in ammonia fumes). If the skunk is still
using the den, the newspaper will be pulled out. If
after a few days the newspaper has not been disturbed,
securely repair any access openings to avoid another
animal moving in.
Skunks Visiting Your Yard
- Raiding your garbage cans:
The simplest solution is to bring the cans inside. If
this is not possible, pour 1 cup of ammonia inside the
garbage can or sprinkle black pepper on the top bag
inside the garbage can. Another deterrent is to place
rags soaked in ammonia over the top of the garbage can
lid and secure with bungee cords. Use the techniques for
a 5 to 7 day period or use when putting garbage out for
your weekly pick up.
- Skunk Stuck in a Window Well
Two methods are recommended for getting skunks out of
window wells.
Place a roughed board at a 45º angle into the window
well. Make sure the board is long enough to act as a
ramp to the top. If you do not have a roughed board,
wrap a towel or carpeting around the board to provide
traction for the skunk. Place food at the top of the
ramp to entice the skunk out. Skunks are nocturnal
(active at night) and they may not leave the window well
until night.
Public Health Concerns
While rabies is rare in the state of Illinois, skunks and
bats are the wild animals that are most likely to be
infected with the virus. In addition, skunks and bats can
carry the rabies virus for a long time before exhibiting
symptoms. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources
requires all captured skunks to be euthanized. Because of
the exposure risk, never handle a skunk, adult or juvenile.
What Not To Do
- Never move young from the nest. Contact Willowbrook
Wildlife Center for advice at (630) 942-6200.
- Do not use poisons. They can result in secondary
poisoning of birds and neighborhood pets.
When to Contact Willowbrook Wildlife Center
- If you come across a wild animal and are concerned,
leave it alone. Call Willowbrook Wildlife Center at
(630) 942-6200 for advice. Young wild animals are not
like human babies. Their parents do not constantly watch
them, and they spend large amounts of time alone or with
brothers and sisters.
- If you find a skunk with visible wounds, contact
your local police department. Due to the rabies virus
exposure risk, do not attempt to capture the skunk. The
seriousness of this disease has led The Illinois
Department of Natural Resources to require that all
wildlife rehabilitators, such as Willowbrook to
euthanize skunks brought in.
- Please call Willowbrook Wildlife Center before
bringing an animal to the center. Call (630) 942-6200.
- Willowbrook is open daily from 9:00am until 5:00pm.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New
Year’s Day.
- For more information about other animals/pests, you
can also visit the Willowbrook Wildlife Center’s website
address at
www.willowbrookwildlife.com/guides.asp or contact
Scott Coren at Darien City Hall (630) 353-8104.
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