Living under the house

This post is dedicated to Michael and Kathleen, who have somewhere between a couple and a family of skunks living under and in the walls of their house.

 

Anyone have any ideas for them?

Image from William Wood, who teaches chemistry at Humboldt University and specializes in how animals use chemicals (like skunk spray) to communicate. Lots of great information, too, like a formula to wash skunk spray, etc.

Comments

[Kathy]

I have a good friend who is a licensed'wildlife relocation' expert. Yes, the state of KS and MO license folks to do this. The point is to get these animals out of your space and back into a more natural habitat. I don't see this one as a do it yourself project. Generally the point would be to trap them all and relocate the family. However, if she has babies, they may not be up and about yet. So you may need to catch her and then go hunting under the house for her babies. Apparently the little ones don't spray. Its just the adults. Anyway, you can check with with Mo or KS dept of Wildlife to find folks to help. Or you might check the yellow pages under Animal Rescue and Removal.

[jennifer]

When I had a family of raccoons living in my attic, the nice men at Critter Control managed to trap the mama. The babies were old enough to chew an exit hole in the roof and get out on their own - babies don't go into a cage for bait. It wasn't fun, but the Critter Control guys had all been certified in wildlife management and knew what they were doing. They have my recommendation. You might also lay in a supply of your libation of choice. Skittering from above or in the walls demands medication.

[Mark]

"chew an exit hole in the roof"!!!

If I had a hole in the roof from babies chewing their way out, I think I'd want a lot of libations!

Thanks Kathy & Jennifer!