Most of us are unfortunately familiar with the odor skunks produce, but deterring their scent is not the only reason you will want to keep these black and white critters off your Kaw Valley property.
1. Health Risks
- Skunks are one of the four main wildlife carriers of rabies, alongside bats, raccoons, and foxes. Studies have shown that clinical signs of rabies can last up to 18 days before the skunk passes, but it is possible for skunks to be infected for weeks before exhibiting symptoms. It is important to note that skunks do not transmit rabies through their spray. They transmit the dangerous disease through saliva, most commonly through biting.
2. Structural Destruction
- During the coldest months of the year, skunks look for shelter under porches, in sheds, or anywhere they can get into. Once the weather warms up, these places of shelter also become the place skunks birth their young. Because of this, skunks may become especially territorial of their denning sites as they now have families to look after, which makes trying to remove them from your property without a professional a dangerous task. Critter Control of Kaw Valley uses humane and effective methods to remove skunks from your property.
3. Lawn Damage
- While searching for food such as grubs or other insects, skunks may dig 3-to-4-inch cone-shaped holes in your lawn. The holes and torn-up turf that is left behind can be an annoyance and may be the culprit behind a few twisted ankles.
4. Safety of Livestock and Pets
- Skunks are known to occasionally eat eggs and kill poultry. Skunks are typically unable to climb fences or other tall barriers, but if they gain access, they are likely to go after poultry animals and their eggs. Skunks also pose safety risks to your house pets—especially dogs. Skunks want to be left alone, but if your dog sees this critter on your property, there could be a confrontation. If your pet comes into contact or gets into a fight with a skunk, your pet should be washed before handling. Owners should then consult their veterinarians about any post-encounter vaccines or treatments.
5. Skunk Spray and Odor
- This list wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention the signature skunk smell. Used as a defense mechanism and intended to give a skunk cover to escape, the odor left from a skunk’s spray is extremely difficult to remove and can ruin furniture, and flooring, and can penetrate deeply into your house pet’s fur. The spray is not lethal unless ingested in abnormally high doses. If you or your pet is sprayed, it may cause eye irritation, nausea, or vomiting.
If you suspect you have a skunk on your residential or commercial property, contact Critter Control of Kaw Valley and let our wildlife removal specialists take care of it for you!