Wildlife Removal in Fresno: Skunks, Ground Squirrels & the Central Valley

Fresno sits in the center of California's San Joaquin Valley — one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world — surrounded by farmland on all sides. That agricultural environment is the defining factor in Fresno's wildlife landscape. The fields, orchards, and vineyards that surround the city support skunk, opossum, raccoon, and ground squirrel populations at densities that purely urban environments don't produce on their own. When those animals move into Fresno's residential neighborhoods, they're coming from a large and continuously replenished source population.

Skunks are the most common wildlife complaint in Fresno, and the agricultural surroundings explain why. Fresno's fields and orchards support large skunk populations that range into residential areas along the urban fringe. The city's mix of older homes with raised foundations and accessible crawl spaces gives them plenty of denning options once they arrive.

They dig for grubs in irrigated lawns (leaving characteristic cone-shaped holes), den under structures, and spray when threatened or cornered. Skunk removal requires careful trapping technique to minimize spray risk, and the den site must be excluded after removal. Scent markers left by a denning skunk will attract other skunks for years if the entry point isn't properly sealed.

California ground squirrels are a significant pest in Fresno's residential areas, particularly in neighborhoods bordering open space and agricultural land. Unlike tree squirrels, they burrow extensively — undermining foundations, retaining walls, and landscaping. A single ground squirrel colony can have dozens of burrow entrances across a property.

Ground squirrel burrows under foundations remove soil support and can cause cracking and settling over time. They're also taken over by other animals — skunks, foxes, and rattlesnakes — after ground squirrels vacate them. Solving a ground squirrel problem prevents a cascade of secondary wildlife issues.

Fresno's climate supports abundant fruit production — citrus, figs, persimmons, pomegranates, and stone fruits are common in residential yards. Fallen and overripe fruit is a major attractant for raccoons, opossums, and roof rats. Managing fruit trees — harvesting promptly, cleaning up fallen fruit — is one of the most effective wildlife prevention measures a Fresno homeowner can take.

California Fish and Game Code prohibits bat exclusion from April 1 through August 31 — the longest maternity season restriction of any state. Several bat species are common in Fresno, including the Mexican free-tailed bat and the big brown bat. If you discover bats in your home in spring or summer, we can seal gaps leading to living spaces and schedule full exclusion for September.

Call (800) 319-1556 for a free inspection. We serve Fresno County and surrounding areas.

View our Fresno service page for more information.