Tag Archives: skunk removal Chicago

Common Skunk Myths

SkunkNow that we’re well into summer, you’ve probably smelled that familiar musky odor that can only be a skunk more than a few times. While skunks are a commonly known critter, there are still many myths about them. Since this is the time of year for increased skunk activity, it’s a perfect opportunity to dispel some myths about our smelly friends.

Common Skunk Myths

  1. Tomato juice will remove the smell of skunk spray.

We’ve all heard this one. In fact, you probably know someone who has bathed themselves or their pet in tomato after an unintended encounter with a skunk. Unfortunately, bathing in tomato juice will only make you smell like, well, tomato juice. And once the tomato juice smell goes away, you’ll be back to smelling like a skunk. See, a skunk smell is so strong your nose actually gets used to it by binding your smell receptors. This phenomenon is called olfactory fatigue.

  1. Skunks will spray you if you get too close.

Skunks only spray when they feel threatened or are frightened. It is their natural defense against predators and that’s what they use it for. If you find yourself close to a skunk avoid making rapid or quick movements or shouting. Dogs usually only get sprayed when they start jumping toward the skunk and/or bark. Simply walk away slowly and you should be just fine.

  1. Since skunks are nocturnal, they only come out at night.

Skunks are indeed nocturnal, but that does not mean they only come out at night. Some come out during the day to search for food if a predator has been preventing them from venturing out at night or a mother has been tending to her young.

  1. Fox urine is a skunk repellant.

Sorry to disappoint, but fox urine will not repel a skunk. The conventional wisdom was, if you spread fox urine the skunk would smell it and be frightened away since the fox is a natural predator. If skunks always ran away from fox urine, they wouldn’t have too many places to go in the wild.

As soon as you suspect you may have a skunk infestation, call us immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal. We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with wild animals.

Protecting Your Yard From Skunks

Skunk in a yardSkunks may not look very threatening, and they are not, but they can be a nuisance for your yard. In fact, they are capable of doing quite a bit of damage to property if you do not properly protect your yard. Follow these techniques to protect your yard against skunks.

Did A Skunk Move In?

First, be sure a skunk moved in. You will most likely smell its strong, musky odor before you see it! Another clue is 3-4 inch holes in your yard and around the exterior of your home.

Prevent Denning

If you see any holes around your yard, fill them loosely with leaves, straw, soil, crumpled up paper, and other similar materials. Filling it loosely with these types of things allows for an animal who may be in there to safely escape. After a few nights, if you see the material is undisturbed, you can permanently fill in the hole.

Make Your Yard Unattractive To Skunks

Now that the warm summer months are here, it is not unheard of to feed our pets outside. The only problem is skunks (and other creatures) love pet food as much as our pets. If you have to feed your pet outdoors, it is best to remove the food and dishes as soon as your pet is finished. Additionally, skunks are attracted to garbage. Try to limit the time your garbage is out and if you leave it in a place like a garage, keep that area secure so skunks can not get in. Another way to make your yard unattractive to skunks is to avoid over watering your lawn. Skunks dig for grubs and when the soil is drier, the grubs are further down and more difficult for skunks to reach. If finding food in your yard is challenging, a skunk will move on somewhere else.
If you suspect you have a skunk infestation, call Attic Solutions immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal. We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with wild animals.

Spring is the Mating Season for Skunks

The spring season is the beginning of new life and the mating season for many animals around the Chicago area including the skunk.  As the weather starts to warm up, skunks increase their activity and begin their mating rituals in which female skunks will spray rejected male skunks and put their smell into the air.  Homeowners should keep an eye out for skunks around their property because they can become a nuisance by burrowing in the yard, secreting their odors, and spreading diseases such as rabies through their bite.  If a skunk has become a problem around your home, it is best to call an animal control professional to remove it.

Types of Skunks

There are four species of skunk that are found in the United States; the striped skunk, the spotted skunk, the hog-nosed skunk, and the hooded skunk.  The striped skunk is the most common type found in the Chicago area as the spotted skunk is rare in some areas and the hooded and hog-nosed skunks are mostly found in the southwestern regions of the U.S.  Each skunk type has stocky legs and large feet with claws that are excellent for digging.

Skunk Breeding Habits

Skunks are nocturnal creatures that tend to stay within a half a mile to a 2 mile diameter around their home area but males may wander about 4 or 5 miles during mating season.  The breeding season for adult skunks begins in late February and litters are typically born in early May from older female skunks and in early June from younger female skunks.  Skunks normally have one litter per year of 4 to 6 young but a skunk litter can contain anywhere from 2 to 16 young.

Damage from Skunks

Skunks can be a nuisance to homeowners with their burrowing, odor secretions, and their potential to spread diseases.  The burrowing causes the most problems as skunks may dig under porches, sheds, and decks and may even enter buildings through the foundation.  They also dig up lawns in search of grubs and have been known to dig through unsecured garbage.  Their secretions are another potential nuisance as skunks are very defensive and may spray when they feel threatened by people or pets.  If a skunk bites a human or another animal, they could spread diseases such as rabies and Leptospirosis among others.


As soon as you suspect you may have a skunk infestation, call us immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal. We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with skunk exclusion and removal, including humane live animal trapping (never poisons!). We will remove the skunks and fix any property damage they may have caused. Click to read more about skunk removal services from Attic Solutions.