Skunk Removal

Although skunks may not look all that menacing, the stench they give off can be overpowering – and not in a good way! While most of us have learned from an early age to avoid these little furry creatures, sometimes we find ourselves closer than we want to be.  At A All Animal Control of Puget Sound, we know how you feel and are ready to help rid your home of these pests.

If you think you have Skunk Infestation:
We've spent years perfecting our methods for skunk infestation removal. Our specialist will work hard to locate the source of the problem and will put about a course of action to clear your property of these pests.  Some of our methods include:
•    Locating and sealing burrows
•    Dispersal of skunk repellent in and around your home
•    Trapping and removal of any animals

We offer a humane course of action:
We have developed a humane method for dealing with skunks as well as other pesky animals.  We use humane traps and release the animals in areas that will not directly affect humans.

We have two species of skunk in Western Washington.

The first is the spotted Skunk, which is rare in most of Western Washington, but can be found in great supply on the Olympic Peninsula particularly around Hood Canal.  They are smaller than striped skunks but still are black and white.  Their odor is not as strong, and they are not as good at aiming it.  They are scavengers and occupy the same niche as Opossums.  With the non-native opossums expanding their range throughout most of the populated areas of western Washington, the spotted skunk is being displaced.

The more common skunk is the Striped Skunk known throughout popular culture as a stinker.  The distinct white stripe on a black background is recognized throughout the US.

These animals are scavengers mostly, and primarily eat insects, though they will also hunt for mice and other small prey.  They will lift their tail and stamp their feet if they feel threatened, and can shoot an accurate blast of odorous spray up to 30 feet.  Normally they will only release a small amount of their available spray at any given time, and thus can make multiple sprays in quick secession if needed.

Tomato juice is not an effective means of odor control.  Strong chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or hydrogen peroxide are needed to break down the molecular structure of their spray, but first the oils have to be worked out with soap and acid.

Typically, for washing a dog, you will need?

•     white vinegar (mild acid to break down hair follicles)
•     clean water
•     hydrogen peroxide (oxidizer to chemically bond with odor molecule)
•     dishwashing liquid detergent or pine sol (soap to break down oil)
•     baking soda to neutralize remaining chemicals, and activate water for rinsing

1. Avoid letting the dog into the house after it has been sprayed.
2. Use rubber gloves, and don't get anything into the dog's eyes.
3. Prepare a mixture that is 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water. Scrub only the sprayed areas and avoid getting the dog wet all over to prevent spreading the skunk oil. Repeat at least three times with the water/vinegar combination. 
4. Alternately, mix a 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, a 1/4 cup Dawn dish-washing liquid and a 1/4 cup of baking soda into a quart of warm water. Again, wash only the affected area to avoid spreading the spray. The oxygen should neutralize the skunk spray.

To wash a wall or hard floor, you can use soap and bleach to great effect.

Call us today for humane skunk removal!