Skunk Removal in Pasadena, CA
Smelling that unmistakable skunk odor around your property? Worried about pets getting sprayed? Pasadena’s neighborhoods from the Arroyo to the foothills provide ideal habitat for striped skunks. Armed Exterminators offers safe, professional skunk removal that eliminates the problem without the smell.
Why Pasadena Has Skunk Problems
Pasadena’s diverse environment attracts skunks year-round:
- Arroyo Seco corridor provides natural travel routes
- Irrigated lawns harbor grubs, a favorite food
- Historic neighborhoods with mature landscaping
- Rose Bowl area offers extensive foraging grounds
- Canyon adjacency connects to natural populations
Signs of Skunk Activity
Visual Indicators
- Cone-shaped holes in lawns from grub digging
- Burrow entrances 4-6 inches wide under structures
- Tracks showing five toes with claw marks
- Stripped grass where skunks rolled back turf
- Disturbed mulch around garden beds
Sensory Clues
- Musky odor even without spraying
- Stronger smell near den sites
- Pet agitation at night
- Shuffling sounds after dark
- Scattered garbage from foraging
Professional Skunk Removal Process
1. Property Assessment
- Locate all den sites and burrows
- Identify food sources (grubs, pet food)
- Check for babies (February-May critical)
- Evaluate spray risk areas
2. Safe Removal Strategy
- Humane live trapping to prevent spraying
- One-way exclusion doors when appropriate
- Professional handling with protective gear
- Family unit removal keeping mothers with kits
3. Den Exclusion
- Seal burrows after confirming vacancy
- Install barriers under decks and sheds
- Reinforce vulnerable structures
- Remove attractants preventing return
4. Odor Control Services
- Professional-grade enzyme treatments
- Deep cleaning of sprayed areas
- Air purification for indoor contamination
- Pet deodorizing recommendations
Health & Safety Concerns
Rabies Risk
Skunks are primary rabies vectors in California:
- Unusual daytime activity
- Aggressive behavior
- Lack of fear
- Disorientation
Never approach a skunk showing these signs
Spray Hazards
- Temporary blindness if eyes affected
- Severe nausea from odor
- Respiratory irritation
- Lasting smell in homes
Pasadena-Specific Issues
High-Risk Areas
- Linda Vista - canyon proximity
- San Rafael Hills - natural habitat
- Bungalow Heaven - older homes with crawl spaces
- East Pasadena - large properties
- Hastings Ranch - grub-rich lawns
Seasonal Activity
- February-March: Mating season, increased movement
- April-June: Mothers with kits
- Summer: Teaching young to forage
- Fall/Winter: Den site preparation
Prevention Tips
- Grub control - treat lawns to remove food
- Secure garbage - use locking lids
- Remove pet food - feed indoors only
- Install lighting - motion-activated deterrents
- Block access - seal crawl spaces
- Maintain yards - remove brush piles
- Fence gardens - bury edges 12 inches
Why Professional Removal is Essential
- Avoid spraying - we have proper equipment
- Rabies safety - trained in disease precautions
- Complete removal - including hidden dens
- Legal compliance - proper permits and methods
- Odor expertise - professional deodorization
Service Coverage
Fast response throughout:
- Central Pasadena and Old Town
- East Pasadena and Hastings Ranch
- Northwest Pasadena and Linda Vista
- Altadena (adjacent service)
- South Pasadena (neighboring)
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I see a skunk in my yard?
Don’t approach or corner it. Move slowly and quietly indoors. Most skunks are just passing through at night. If it’s denning on your property or acting strangely during the day, call for professional removal.
How far can skunks spray?
Skunks can accurately spray up to 10 feet and the mist can travel 20 feet. They can spray multiple times. This is why professional equipment and expertise are essential for safe removal.
What attracts skunks to Pasadena properties?
Lawn grubs are the #1 attractant, followed by pet food, accessible garbage, and water sources. Skunks also seek shelter under decks, sheds, and in crawl spaces for denning.
Can skunks climb fences?
Skunks are poor climbers but excellent diggers. They’ll go under rather than over barriers. Effective fencing must extend underground with an L-shaped footer to prevent digging.
What’s the best time to remove skunks?
Fall through early winter is ideal - after babies are independent but before deep denning. However, we provide emergency removal year-round when skunks pose immediate risks.
Don’t risk getting sprayed - let professionals handle it.
Call (626) 256-3200 for safe skunk removal in Pasadena.
Odor-Free Removal • Licensed Experts • Emergency Service
“Armed removed a skunk family from under our deck without any spraying! They were careful, professional, and solved the problem completely.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Jennifer R., San Rafael Hills