Skunks are well-known nocturnal residents of Illinois, and most people can identify one by smell before they ever see it.
How to identify skunks
The striped skunk has jet black fur with prominent white stripes running down its back, and it’s about the size of a house cat. Skunks are typically 13 to 38 inches long, weigh 7 to 14 pounds and live around 3 years in the wild.
Their famous defense is an oily, horrible-smelling spray from glands under the tail, and it can travel up to ten feet. If you or your dog have been sprayed, see our skunk spray removal formula.
Where they live
Skunks prefer to nest in burrows, and they’re happy to use porches, decks, sheds and other structures to do it. They typically burrow under concrete porches, decks and sheds. If you see one skunk, be aware that there are probably more close by.
The damage they do
- Holes all over your lawn as they dig for grubs and other insects
- Damaged insulation if they get into the attic
- Chewed items around the house, including electrical wiring
Even without much damage yet, skunks carry parasites and disease. Skunks are omnivores and opportunistic eaters, and at night they forage for fruit, insects, larvae, worms, small mammals, reptiles, fish and trash.
How we handle skunks
We’re licensed, highly trained nuisance wildlife professionals. We remove skunks humanely, then find and seal the way in so the next one can’t follow. See animal trapping and animal proofing for how that works. Screening along the foundation, stoops and decks is usually the long-term fix.