Telltale Signs of a Skunk
Skunks are notorious for digging up yards and gardens. Their famous defense mechanism makes them a tricky foe to deal with. While they often don’t want to have to spray you or your pet, the stench can linger for weeks. It’s best to watch for these creatures that may have made themselves at home near yours. Below, we will give some clear signs of a skunk as well as what you can do.
Why You Might See Skunks More Often
Skunks are commonly misunderstood creatures. As more and more people move to residential areas, skunk’s natural habitats are taken from them. For this reason, they tend to nest near people’s homes—often underneath a foundation or patio.
Telltale Signs of a Skunk
A common mistake when it comes to detecting a skunk is smell. Skunks can spray each other as part of their mating process, so relying on smell is not foolproof. These creatures are nocturnal, so it’s unlikely you will see them during the day. Here are three helpful signs that a skunk has nested near you:
- Tracks and Droppings. Skunks have unique print patterns, which makes them easier to detect than other animals. Their droppings can often contain food, like insects, that have not been fully digested.
- Holes. Skunks can damage sod and gardens while digging to find food. Look for three-to-four-inch holes in these places.
- Smell. While smell isn’t the be-all and end-all, it can be a helpful sign of a skunk if noticed several times in a row over a short period.
What About My Property Attracts a Skunk?
Skunks prefer dark areas like foundations and patios. Many things about a property can attract a skunk to it. These include food materials like birdseed, pet food, insects, and worms.
Are Skunks Dangerous?
These animals are not typically aggressive or dangerous; however, they can defensively spray if you or a pet gets too close. Skunks do not want to spray because it takes a long time (often several days) for their glands to generate more, leaving them vulnerable. Spraying is a last resort for skunks; they only hold about four tablespoons of noxious fluid in their scent glands.
It is best to stay quiet and walk away if you encounter a skunk. They do have the potential to transmit diseases to people and pets—and can also cause substantial damage to property. Rabies is the most significant disease a skunk can carry, and it is important to know that just because a skunk doesn’t show any symptoms of rabies that does not mean it doesn’t have it.
What Should I Do If I Encounter a Skunk?
The best practice is to leave a skunk be. Again, skunk spraying is a last resort. They only do so when they feel they’ve exhausted their other defense mechanisms.
If you or a pet has been sprayed, you can use vinegar to neutralize the odor. You can mix equal parts water and vinegar and use this mixture on clothes. Another way to counteract the smell is by mixing one quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda, and one to two teaspoons of liquid dish soap in an open container. You’ll want to use these as soon as possible to neutralize the odor fully.
We recommend enlisting an exterminator or other wildlife control professional to remove a skunk from your property or underneath a home if it’s become a larger issue.
For more pest facts or help with smaller pests and insects, contact Vulcan Termite & Pest Control. We have served Pelham and the greater Birmingham area since 1965.