Humane Solutions for Dealing with Pesky Critters

Having issues with marauding skunks, raccoons, and other cute but pesky critters? Try Maggie Sergio, director of Wildlife Solutions, for humane alternatives. Call 650-346-7668 or click WILDCARE FOR WILDLIFE

Comments

[Bruce Hotchkiss]

Just so everyone is clear on this, I do not advocate killing these pests. I do understand the urge to do so; I have been tempted. I do not own a gun. I thought of all kinds of devious ways to do away with both skunks and raccoons but never had the stamina to act on them.

What this world needs is a good witness protection plan for wayward animals.

[Bruce Hotchkiss]

Maggie, it's easy to dismiss the skunk smell until it permeates everything in the house. The damn thing dug its way into our crawl space more than once. Yes, it finally dissipated, but half of our clothes had to be sent out to be cleaned and the others were washed a number of times.

As for the raccoons, I know it isn't personal and I know it's baby season. But to have a $12,000 roof torn up twice is very frustrating.

The raccoon has not taken up residence, at least I'm pretty sure. I haven't heard any noises in the attic. She has been in the attic in the past.

I put up with the skunks digging up the front yard looking for grubs; I put up with raccoons knocking over the garbage. I will no longer put up with either disrupting my life and costing me money.

The mother raccoon is gone for this season. I suspect she was close to birthing and had to find somewhere else. The skunks have gone for now. I know they all will be back some other time.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Bruce et al., if you have critter pests, don't kill them, call Maggie and she will come and get them.

[Maggie Sergio]

Hi Bruce,

Skunk odor will usually vanish within a day or two, unless you have a dead skunk. In that case, the smell can linger until the body is removed. When a skunk dies, it lets loose with a powerful odor.

And I'm truly sorry to hear about the damage to your roof. Just so you understand what is happening, keep in mind that it is baby season. Raccoons seek out den sites to have their young and they will expose/take advantage of any vulnerable areas of our homes in the process. Come springtime, it is very common for raccoons to rip off attic or subfloor vent covers looking for a place to have their babies.

The raccoon has nothing against you but is only doing what is instinctual this time of year. Making sure our homes are well maintained is the best defense.

Call me if I can be of further assistance or if you think this raccoon has taken up residence in your house.

[Bruce Hotchkiss]

It's too bad there are not humane ways to get rid of the stink the skunks caused last year, or the damage the raccoon caused last year and this year again when she ripped up my roof. Perhaps Mother Nature would be so kind as to send me a check to repair the roof.