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application methods
The pesticide application method you choose depends on the nature and habits of the target pest, the properties of the pesticide, the suitability of the application equipment, and the cost and efficiency of alternative methods. Your choice is often predetermined by one or more of these factors. Follow label direction for volume recommendations and application rates based on the pest to be controlled and utilize appropriate application tips on equipment.
Color:
Although the most common fur color is black and white, some skunks are brown or grey and a few are cream-colored. All skunks are striped, even from birth. They may have a single thick stripe across back and tail, two thinner stripes, or a series of white spots and broken stripes (in the case of the spotted skunk).
Size: 20-30" long (including the tail).
Skunks live in burrows or dens. In some cases, they dig the burrow themselves using their strong and sharp claws. At other times too, skunks may take over abandoned dens constructed by other animals like the woodchuck or fox, and then make their own nests inside it. A skunk's burrow is usually built in chambers and lined with grass, leaves and hay. The typically skunk den has many entrances (from about four).
Aside from dens, skunks also nest in closed places like hollow logs, under brushes, open prairies, woodpiles, under porches, sheds, basements, culverts, garage, abandoned or incomplete buildings. They also reside in open lands, clearings, pastures and bordering forests. Furthermore, in prairies, skunks sometimes seek succor in thickets and timbre fringes usually close to water bodies.
Skunks are crepuscular and solitary animals when not breeding, though in the colder parts of their range, they may gather in communal dens for warmth. During the day, they shelter in burrows which they can dig with their powerful front claws.
Skunks are omnivorous, eating both plant and animal material and changing their diets as the seasons change. They eat insects and larvae, earthworms, grubs, rodents, lizards, salamanders, frogs, snakes, birds, moles and eggs. They also commonly eat berries, roots, leaves, grasses, fungi and nuts.
Skunks are notorious for the foul odor of their spray and their digging habits. Skunks will leave holes in your lawn when digging for insects, and they can damage your foundation if one chooses to construct a burrow underneath your home.
Signs of skunk damage include:
- holes in lawn: small and cone-shaped; 3-4 inches in diameter
- damaged corn: skunks can only reach the lower ears
- skunk tracks: five toes on each foot with visible claws
- pilfered trash cans
- raided poultry houses: skunks will steal eggs and occasionally a chicken or other fowl.
- skunk odor
Skunks can carry contagious diseases, viruses and parasites that can be transmitted to humans and/or pets through a bite.
Some of the most serious illnesses include:
- leptospirosis
- canine distemper
- canine hepatitis
- intestinal roundworm (Baylisascaris columnaris)
- rabies
- Only way to really keep the skunk out of your property is to remove all traces of food and to proof your building by blocking all possible entry points as well as shelter options for the skunk.
- Ammonia is reputed to work in repelling most wildlife due to its pungent smell. Placed old rags dipped in ammonia under your deck or porch to keep skunks out. Ammonia is particularly distressing to the eyes and nose of wildlife and has a better chance at being effective when applied in an enclosed space.
- Pepper sprays are believed to deter skunk and other wildlife. Spray them on trees and other areas where you've sighted the traces of a skunk.
- Citrus peels have natural repellent qualities. Scatter orange or lemon peels around your property and under your deck or porch.
- Install bright lights in your yard. This will discourage the skunk as it is nocturnal by nature, but certainly is not a foolproof way to keep away skunks.
- Motion activated sprinklers: these are placed out in the yard and working with a motion sensor, would spray any animal that passes with water. This is meant to startle them into running away, but again, a sprinkle of water would scarcely drive a hungry skunk away for long. They usually find a way around it with time.
- Predator urine. Skunk deterrents are sold commercially and most of them are based on fox and dog urine as they are major predators of the skunk. These products come in liquid or granule form and may require mixing with other ingredients. However, these predator urine based products do not exactly have a great track record in repelling skunk. If you can source it, straight dog urine has a slightly better chance.
Manufacturer Recommended Products And Treatment For Skunks Control
Pests need food, water, and shelter. Often the problem may be solved just by removing these key items. Before even thinking about chemical pest control, it is important to be aware of
Pest’s Conducive conditions & It’s Recommendations.
Pesticides can be purchased in many different forms, each form has specific uses and
| Conducive Condition | Recommendation | |
| 1 | Tree branches on house | Keep tree branches away from house to reduce pest access |
| 2 | Firewood next to foundation | Keep firewood away from house to reduce pest harborage |
| 3 | Debris on crawlspace/next to foundation | Remove wood debris to reduce termite ha rborage area |
| 4 | Excessive plant cover, stump, etc. | Providing spacing between plant cover and structure |
| 5 | Soil above the foundation Ii ne | Keep soil below top of foundation to reduce harbo rage areas |
| 6 | Wood-to-ground contact | Keep soil from touching wood to eliminate termite access |
| 7 | Debris on roof/full gutter | Keep gutter & roof free of debris to reduce insect harborage |
| 8 | Standi ng water near/under structure | Eliminate standing water to reduce pest harbo rage |
| 9 | Mo isture problem under structure | Increase ventilation to reduce pest harbo rage area |
| 10 | Openi ngs at plumbi ng & electronics | Seal opening to reduce pest access |
| 11 | Excessive gaps at windows/doors | Seal gaps to reduce pest access |
| 12 | Lea ky plumb ing fixtures | Repair to reduce moisture for pests |
| 13 | Keep garbage cans covered | Covered to reduce attraction of insects of vertebrate pests |
| 14 | Mo isture damage wood | Repair rotten or damaged wood to reduce insect harborage |
| 15 | Grocery bags stored improperly | Seal paper sacks in containers to reduce i nsect ha rborage areas |
| 16 | Pet food unsealed or left out | Keep pet food in sealed containers and unavailable to pests |
| 17 | Excessive storage conditions | Keep storage areas uncluttered and manageable |
| 18 | Debris below kick plates | Remove kick plates to reduce rodent harborage |
application methods The pesticide application method you choose depends on the nature and habits of the target pest, the properties of the pesticide, the suitability of the application equipment, and the cost and efficiency of alternative methods. Your choice is often predetermined by one or more of these factors. Follow label direction for volume recommendations and application rates based on the pest to be controlled and utilize appropriate application tips on equipment.
, these application methods are for informational purposes only. To know specific applications method/s for the product you buy, please refer actual packages for complete Label Verbiage.Product Type
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