(Mephitis mephitis)



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General Characteristics:

- The striped skunk is the most common species found in Canada

- Skunks are members of the weasel family, similar size to a domestic cat

- They are mostly black in colour with the most distinguishable characteristic being the white strip extending along the back and tail

- They consume mostly insects and small mammals such as insect larvae, crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, rats, mice, moles


Reproduction:

- Skunks mate in late winter months and produce 4-6 young per litter each year

- Young are born mid-spring to mid-summer

- The young are weaned at 2 months and begin own den by the fall


Signs of Infestation:

- Skunks are known for their obnoxious odorous discharge from scent glands.

- Two glands at the base of the tail release odorous sulphur compounds as a line of self- defence. This fluid substance released can be directed for up to 10-20 feet.

- The Skunks forepaws are well adapted for digging under structures of many types.

- While primarily a carnivore, they will also consume poultry and eggs, fruit and garden vegetables, beehives and damage lawns in search of insect larvae

- They usually have multiple den alternating site locations


Control Techniques:

- Exclusion is the most practical solution, by making the structure and surrounding
areas as least conducive as possible

- ¼ inch hardware cloth or sheet metal can be applied to all potential harbourage areas to prevent skunk entry
- Live Trapping evaluated and performed by a professional

- Temporary one-way trap door installed by a Professional

- Spray deterrents and other commercial products also available

Please click here to contact a Focus Pest Control professional to inquire about further treatments for this pest species.

References:

Benett, Gary W., et.al.. Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. Duluth: Advanstar
Communications, 1988. Pp. 364-366.

Disclaimer:

The Focus Pest Control ‘Pest Library’ is an educational resource written largely to educate the general public about common pests in Ontario. The Focus ‘Pest Library’ does not include all species in Ontario, nor does it include the most recent scientific data about species we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While Focus Pest Control staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.

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