When it comes to skunks, everyone knows about the foul-smelling spray that they emit if they feel threatened. It’s so pungent you can tell if a skunk has sprayed in an area even if you’re only driving by it for a short moment. That means if you’re the target of the spray, well, you’re going to smell something awful for some time.
Identifying Skunks
Identifying SkunksWhen most people think about skunks, they think about the striped skunk which is about the size of a domestic cat, predominantly black, and features white stripes on its head, back, and tail. However, there is also the spotted skunk which is about half the size of the striped skunk. Additionally, rather than featuring stripes, the spotted skunk, as its name might suggest is black with white spots around its body.
Skunks, like most wildlife, will come onto a property in search of food, water, or shelter. Therefore, if any of these is readily available on your property, it could be drawing in skunks. Skunks are mostly docile animals however, they will attack with their claws and teeth, or unleash their trademark spray if they feel threatened or attacked.
Dangers Posed By Skunks
As previously stated, most people are aware of the foul-smelling spray that skunks will emit if they are threatened. However, most aren’t aware that this spray can be fatal in certain instances. Additionally, skunks carry diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, Q-fever, tularemia, canine distemper, canine hepatitis, and listeriosis. Therefore, you, your family, and your pets are all at risk if skunks make their way onto your property.
What’s more, skunks are also known to carry other pests on their bodies which they can then introduce to your property. Skunks in your yard can introduce pests such as fleas, ticks, mites, lice, and tapeworms. For all these reasons, you need to take the proper preventative steps to keep skunks off of your property.
Skunk Prevention Techniques
As stated, skunks will usually enter a yard because there is easy access to food, water, or shelter. With that in mind, some useful skunk prevention techniques include:
- Remove any leftover pet food from your property immediately.
- Pick up fallen fruit, produce, or seeds from your yard.
- Store all trash in bins with tight-fastening lids.
- Don’t leave trash or food in your yard.
- Install protective fencing around gardens.
- Fix any leaky pipes or fixtures that could provide water for skunks.
- Seal off any access points under porches or decks.
- Seal off pet doors at night.
If you can accomplish these simple steps, you should greatly limit your exposure to skunks.
For More Advice & Assistance On Skunk Control
If you have any further questions about skunk and wildlife prevention, or if you are dealing with skunks invading your property, don’t hesitate, just call the trained pest professionals here Smith’s Pest Management right away. We don’t just remove skunks, but we attack skunk infestations at the root of the problem for your property to stay skunk-free in the future. Don’t put your family’s health at risk by letting skunks invade your property. Call us now.
