MOSQUITO BYTES NEWSLETTER

'TIS THE SEASON... FOR SKUNKS

8 Tips to Stop Skunks from Making Your Yard Their Home
Skunks pose a risk to public health because they can transmit rabies. With mating season right around the corner, skunks will soon look for the home they will need at the end of mating season. Their preferred location could be the space under your deck, shed or house. That's why it's a good idea to skunk-proof your yard now before skunks start taking a look around.
Striped Skunk
Skunks Seek Shelter Prior to Mating Season
Perform Exclusion Methods Now

Skunks will look for a secluded, protected area where they can hunker down after the annual skunk mating season which takes place over the next couple of months. The key to prevent skunks from moving into your yard, and putting you and your family at increased risk of rabies, is to perform exclusion methods now.

According to Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District Supervisor Terry Davis, "The two best ways to reduce the risk of a skunk on your property is to block entry points and remove food options."
1/2 Inch Wire Mesh Installed at the
Base of a Fence
Block entry to your yard or potential shelter locations by:
  1. Installing 1/2 inch galvanized wire mesh that is embedded at least 12 inches into the soil along the base of a fence to prevent skunks from burrowing under the fence to enter your yard
  2. Installing 1/2 inch galvanized wire mesh that is embedded at least 12 inches into the soil around decks, sheds, and home foundations to prevent skunks from accessing shelter
  3. Replacing or reinforcing vent screens
  4. Keeping pet doors secure at night
  5. Securing outside crawl space doors

Remove potential sources of food including:
  1. Fallen birdseed
  2. Fallen fruit
  3. Pet food left outdoors

By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of rabies transmission by reducing the chance that people or animals come into close contact with skunks.

Request District Service

If, after you have blocked entry points and removed food options, you continue to see skunk activity in your yard, contact the District. The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District (District) provides the public health service of inspection and assistance for skunks for Contra Costa County residents.

Please note: if you smell a skunk, see a skunk passing through your yard or your pet has been sprayed by a skunk while on your property, this does not necessarily indicate the skunk has taken up residence on your property, and District employees will not attempt to trap or remove it. 

More information about the District's skunk service can be found here.
Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, an independent special district and public health agency, is located at 155 Mason Circle in Concord. Contact the District to report mosquito and vector problems online or at (925) 685-9301