ThisWeek CW 06/07/2012
After another mild winter and unseasonably warm spring, the skunk population continues to rise around central Ohio.
Canal Winchester officials are asking residents to take steps to deter skunks from taking up occupancy in the city.
“We’ve had some issues this spring and, of course, last year, so we’re putting out information of some common-sense things for people to do to prevent skunks and other rodents from getting into their area,” Public Service Director Matt Peoples said.
A document titled “The City Skunk,” posted on the city’s website, canal winchesterohio.gov, describes what attracts skunks and outlines several tactics for evicting them from residents’ properties.
The document states that skunks are attracted to garbage, compost, pet food and grubs in lawns. However, they are poor climbers, so creating a height barrier helps. Once skunks find a food source, they will burrow a home, so the document suggests the following to evict them:
* Sprinkle naphtha flakes around the area (babies must be mobile).
* Distribute urine-soaked cat litter in and around the den.
* Keep the area brightly lit.
* Play a radio at the entrance of a skunk den, using an all-talk radio station.
* Repeatedly block the entrance with dirt or newspaper.
* Install a one-way door, allowing a skunk to leave but not re-enter.
Once residents are certain all the skunks have left, the city suggests permanently filling holes and consider using wire screening or wood to a depth of 10 inches underground as a barrier to returning skunks.
Canal Winchester has a licensed animal trapper on staff, however, residents are responsible for contacting animal control or hiring a professional service for their own private property, Peoples said.
“We have a licensed person on staff who does trapping for us, particularly raccoons and groundhogs, but we’ve had our share of skunks, too, like down at the community center,” Peoples said. “It is the residents’ responsibility on their private property. They should call the Franklin County Animal Control, who will give them information on what procedure to take, depending on what they’re dealing with, or will respond accordingly.”
Franklin County Animal Control can be reached at 614-462-3400.
According to “The City Skunk,” skunks are a major carrier of the rabies virus, so anyone who is bitten should call their doctor immediately and report the bite to Franklin County Public Health at 614-525-3965. If possible, keep the animal in sight so it can be captured and tested for the virus.