Skunk Damage in Lawns

Description

• The striped skunk is about the size of an average cat, weighing 8 lbs. and measuring 29 inches long. The black animal gets its name from the distinct, lateral white stripes on its back. The legs are short and stocky with large feet and strong claws used for digging. Though the potential age of a skunk is 10 years, the animal rarely lives beyond three years. The animals are highly sensitive to light and prefer to stay in their dens during the daylight hours.

Damage

• Skunks are primarily insectivores and are most attracted to grubs in lawn, creating holes with its digging and tearing out cone-shaped, 3-inch or larger patches or pits in turf. The animal removes large sections of sod or rolls it back in sections. Besides grubs, skunks are also attracted to grasshoppers, beetles and crickets in lawns. During winter, the animals target rats and housemice.

Habitat

• In their natural habitat, skunks live in open areas, clearings and pastures near forests. The animals often make homes in hollow logs and in thickets along rivers, lining their dens with leaves, grass or hay. Skunks create more than one den and visit all the dens throughout the day. Near homes, the animals burrow under porches, decks, crawlspaces, sheds and woodpiles. The animals frequently enter foundation openings or create new holes in foundation.

Management

• Controlling grubs in lawns is among the most effective ways to discourage animals from the area. Keep all garbage cans tightly sealed and avoid putting eggshells into the compost as the animals love eggs. Remove all pet food from around the garden at night. Control rodents on the property as skunks are also attracted to rodents in garages and sheds. Clear debris and junk to reduce options of possible habitat. There are no repellents registered for use on skunks.