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We are Orange County Wildlife, and we solve conflicts between people and wild animals. From squirrels in your attic, to raccoons in your trash, to bats, rats, birds, and snakes, we do it all. We specialize in safe and effective solutions to California critter problems. We service the greater Orange County region, and we offer fast service - we can usually schedule a same-day appointment. Give us a call at 714-888-5200 any time, 24/7, and we will discuss your unique wild animal problem, and give you a free price quote over the phone. We're ready to take your call now!

Our service range: We service Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and more. We also service Aliso Viejo, Fountain Valley, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Anaheim, Fullerton, Laguna Hills, Orange, Stanton, Brea, Garden Grove, Laguna Niguel, Placentia, Tustin, Buena Park, Huntington Beach, Laguna Woods, Rancho Santa Margarita, Villa Park, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Lake Forest, San Clemente, Westminster, Cypress, La Habra, Los Alamitos, San Juan Capistrano, Yorba Linda, Dana Point, La Palma, Mission Viejo, Santa Ana, and more.

Orange County Wildlife Education: Skunk Exterminator

Skunks are well known for their propensity for spraying noxious gas at people and animals that they come into contact with. However, they spray people much less than we are led to believe. The main issue regarding skunks is the fact that they will dig up your garden in search of food. They are also frequent carriers of the rabies virus. Most people are nervous about getting rid of a skunk by themselves for fear of being sprayed. If you recognize what the signs are, it is pretty easy to avoid.



Signs that you might get sprayed
Skunks only spray when they are feeling threatened. They will stamp their feet, raise their tail and run towards you if they are planning to spray you. The oily substance is secreted by a gland located in the tail. Therefore, they will have to turn their back on you in order to spray you. All of these signs should give you sufficient time to get out of the way in time.

Extermination
If you have come into contact with a skunk and have been sprayed you are probably ready to try any course of action in order to get rid of it. This is especially true of people who have pets. Dogs are frequently the victims of unfortunate encounters. Before you turn to extermination you might want to consider a more humane way of getting rid of your visitor.

Exterminators typically deal with pests that live in your home. They are trained to kill them in order to rid your home of infestation. This is not the ideal when you are dealing with a skunk. They are wild animals and need to be dealt with by an expert. There are a few ways to go if you have decided to follow the lethal route.
· You can employ a lethal trap that will slam shut and kill the skunk when it steps on the trigger. These come in different sizes and it is important to get one that is suitable for your needs. A trap that is too small will not kill then skunk but will leave it to suffer.
· Shooting is a more humane way of extermination. You can ensure the animal does not suffer. It is critical to ensure that you are within your rights to shoot a wild animal. You will require a license and you cannot discharge a firearm in a residential area. This solution is more suited to people who live in rural areas.
· Carbon monoxide is one way of exterminating an animal that does cause it to suffer. You will need to trap the skunk in a cage and cover the cage in an airtight bag. The bag is the connected to the tailpipe of your vehicle using a rubber hose.

Keep in mind that skunks can still secrete oil after death. If you are not careful the gland can release when you move the animal.

Previous Education Articles
Is it safe to handle a wild Orange County animal with bare hands?
Are Orange County Coyotes Dangerous to Cats, Dogs, or Other Pets?
What are the most common types of Orange County animals that eat your pet's food?
Removing An Orange County Squirrel from The Fireplace