Upper Peninsula: (906) 553-4841   Petoskey Area: (231) 330-6992

Skunk Removal Services

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Problematic Skunks

Image of a skunk; Northern Pest safely traps and removes skunks.

Skunks leave an unmistakable stench everywhere they go; the pungent odor is distinct and powerful. These pests scavenge for food such as fruit, grubs, and insects, tearing up gardens and lawns in the process. Distemper, rabies, and sarcoptic mange are diseases carried by skunks that domesticated animals can contract. If skunks threaten your home or business, contact Northern Pest. Our service calls include assessing the situation and determining the best course of action - from exclusion live trapping, making repairs to prevent reentry, and deodorizing when needed.

Skunks are timid and use spraying as their primary defense before scurrying away. They are skittish and, when threatened, will perform a warning display by stomping and making thumping noises before spraying. There’s a brief period to escape before a skunk sprays its potent odor, which can reach up to 12 feet, though the smell can spread further with the wind. Pets are often victims of skunk sprays, requiring lengthy baths and various home remedies to eliminate the odor from their fur. In cases where pets are sprayed in the eyes, veterinary care may be needed.

Humane Skunk Trapping and Removal

If you suspect skunk activity in or around your home, contact the experts at Northern Pest. One of our techs will come out to inspect the situation and identify the most effective strategy for removing the critter(s). Should an exclusion trap be deemed appropriate, we will track the skunk's den by following 'runs' or 'slicks' - paths frequently traveled by the animal - and set up a live trap at its entry point. Captured skunks are relocated at least 15 miles away to prevent their return. After removal, our techs will restore and strengthen entry points and repair damage caused by wildlife to prevent future invasions. Deodorizing services are also available as necessary.

Skunk Spray Remedy

Skunk stench is undoubtedly challenging to remove. Improper attempts can spread the oils around instead of eliminating them. A quick online query will result in multiple home remedies for removing skunk spray. Northern Pest does not recommend using tomato juice to de-skunk your domesticated animals. Instead, try our homemade remedy:

  • 1 liter (or quart) white vinegar (can substitute 3% hydrogen peroxide; might cause bleaching)
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon dish detergent

Use this solution to remove the smell from fabric or animals, and try using bleach to rid skunk spray on outdoor surfaces like foundations, decks, or bricks. Seek medical or veterinary care for direct facial contact.

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Scratching during the day may indicate the presence of a bat, but this is rare.

A more familiar source of scratching or clawing during the daytime are squirrels or a yellowjacket hive in the drywall.

Scratching sounds coming from the attic is an indication of the presence of bats. The scratching may be constant or sporadic and may occur during the day, but mostly at night, if it's a bat. The sound you hear is the bat's claws and its wings as it flies about.

A scratching sound may also indicate the presence of mice. An inspection from Northern Pest is necessary to pinpoint the sound source directly.

Gnawing sounds during the day are usually always caused by the presence of a rodent, like a mouse, squirrel, or chipmunk. Rodents have large incisor teeth that continually grow and must be worn down by constantly gnawing. These pests will chew on wires, wood, insulation, and anything else they find. Many house fires result from rodents chewing through electrical wires.

If you hear gnawing or chewing sounds at night, this may indicate the presence of a raccoon, which is accompanied by other noises, such as heavy walking. If you don’t hear hefty movement, it may be a flying squirrel or some other rodent.

A "rolling" noise, similar to the sound of rolling marbles, is frequently due to the presence of a squirrel bringing in nuts or other materials as they move around in the attic. Squirrels use attics to hoard food or nest. If you hear this sound during the day, it most certainly is a red squirrel as they are the only mammals that will commonly breach attics, and they are most active during the day. Flying squirrels will too, but they are nocturnal and active at night.

The other possible cause of a rolling sound may be birds fluttering around tight corridors.

Rolling sounds made at night can be caused by flying squirrels that are nocturnal. This noise is the squirrel bringing nuts and other debris into the attic or wall.

Raccoons may also make a rolling sound, although this is not common.

The scampering or scurrying sounds made during the day is usually always caused by a squirrel, as most other quick-moving, agile pests (such as mice) are nocturnal.

A scurrying or scampering sound at night usually indicates mice traveling along the walls, ceiling, or floorboards.

Nocturnal flying squirrels also make this noise, although their peak periods of activity are just before dawn and right after sunset. Their movement is quick and light.

Raccoon’s sound similar; however, it's a slower "walking" sound and is "heavier" than a squirrel.

Heavy walking or crawling is a unique sound that usually indicates the presence of a raccoon and can be heard either day or night.

Heavy walking or crawling is a unique sound that usually always indicates the presence of a raccoon and can be heard either day or night.

If you hear “flapping” during the day, it is definitely a bird.

If you hear “flapping” at night, it is either a trapped bird or a bat. Nuisance birds are usually not active at night, so most likely, this is the sound of a trapped bird trying to find its way out. With bats, the flapping of their wings is very soft, like a dull “whirring.” If you hear a faint humming sound, it may be a bat flying about after dark.

Crackling, or the sound of Rice Krispies popping, is a distinct noise commonly caused by a yellowjacket hive within your home's drywall. Yellowjackets can pick and gnaw on drywall and use the pieces to build their hives. This activity sounds like and is often described as a "crackling." Upon hearing this, know that yellowjackets are close to chewing through the drywall. This noise is most common at night but can be heard during the day if the hive is large enough.

Crackling, or the sound of Rice Krispies popping, is a distinct noise commonly caused by a yellowjacket hive within your home's drywall. Yellowjackets can pick and gnaw on drywall and use the pieces to build their hives. This activity sounds like and is often described as a "crackling." Upon hearing this, know that yellowjackets are close to chewing through the drywall.

If you hear sounds of chirping or chattering, this usually indicates that baby animals are present. Depending on the season helps determine which pest you are dealing with; it is common for baby squirrels, raccoons, or birds (especially chimney swifts) to make these noises. Contact Northern Pest for a thorough assessment and removal.

If you hear sounds of chirping or chattering, this usually indicates that baby animals are present. Depending on the season helps determine which pest you are dealing with; it is common for baby squirrels, raccoons, or birds (especially chimney swifts) to make these noises. Contact Northern Pest for a thorough assessment and removal.

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Servicing Marquette, Dickinson, Menominee, Alger, Delta, Schoolcraft, Mackinac, Chippewa, Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Charlevoix, Antrim, and Otsego Counties

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Call Upper Peninsula: (906) 553-4841 or Petoskey Area: (231) 330-6992

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