Skunks: Myths vs Facts
Skunks have one of the most feared defenses in the animal kingdom, but there’s more to them than just their smell. Skunks are common nuisance critters in the suburbs of Northern Virginia, as residential neighborhoods provide them with plenty of sources of food and shelter. Everyday things you may not think twice about, like a garden, deck, or crawl space, is a major attractant for skunks. The awful smelling spray isn’t the only reason you wouldn’t want skunks around, as they can also create damage by digging underneath decks and foundations. However, there’s a lot of disinformation and widely believed myths about skunks out there, and this blog will help set the record straight, so you can properly deal with a skunk problem on your property.
Myth #1: Skunks Spray All the Time
Fact: Skunks will only spray as a last resort. They will give plenty of warning signs first, like hissing, stomping their feet, and raising their tails. Skunks do not have an endless supply of spray, so they don’t want to use it unless absolutely necessary.
Myth #2: You Can Easily Trap a Skunk Without Getting Sprayed
Fact: even the most experienced skunk trappers will use covered traps and stealthy approach techniques to avoid a spraying incident. Never attempt to remove a skunk by yourself, as you can get sprayed, bitten, or scratched.
Myth #3: Skunks Only Come Out at Night
Fact: Skunks are mostly nocturnal, however, it’s not impossible for skunks to come out during the day as well, especially if food sources are scarce. Mother skunks with kits may also forage during the day. Daytime sightings aren’t necessarily a sign of rabies, but should still be handled with caution.
Myth #4: Skunks Don’t Damage Property
Fact: Skunks are actually very destructive to property! Skunks den underground, so they will dig underneath decks, sheds, porches, patios, and even home foundations, which can weaken these structures and lead to instability. Skunks may also nest inside crawl spaces, which may cause odor issues inside the home. Skunks will also rip up your lawn in search of grubs to eat, especially during the winter, when food is scarce.
Myth #5: Skunks Are Harmless to Pets
Fact: Skunk sprays can cause temporary blindness in pets, and be very distressing to them as well. Skunks can also carry the rabies virus and spread it through bites and scratches, and they can carry other diseases like leptospirosis and tularemia, as well as parasites like ticks and fleas.
How to Handle a Skunk Problem Safely
Most importantly, do NOT attempt to corner or handle the skunk, as that’s how you get scratched, bitten, or sprayed! The best thing you can do when you see a skunk on your property is to call the experts at Summit Wildlife Removal for safe, humane trapping and removal services. Our technicians are armed with the tools, training, and experience to remove skunks without any harm or spraying incidents.
Our Skunk Removal Process
When you call Summit Wildlife Removal for skunk removal services, our first step in the process is to conduct a thorough inspection of your property to locate all the denning sites. Next, we safely and humanely trap and remove the skunks, in accordance with Virginia wildlife regulations. Finally, we perform exclusion work and install wildlife barriers on your property to prevent the skunks from getting back inside. Our team can also provide skunk damage repair, in case the skunks have damaged your home’s foundation.
Skunk Prevention Tips
- Make sure compost bins and outdoor trash cans are sealed
- Don’t leave pet food out overnight
- Have wildlife barriers installed underneath decks and porches if necessary
- Make sure your crawl space vents are sealed off
Best Skunk Removal in Northern Virginia
Many fears and rumors about skunks are exaggerated, but make no mistake, these critters can still create health risks and do considerable damage to your property. Not to mention the smell of their sprays! Don’t try to deal with a skunk problem yourself, leave it to the experts at Summit Wildlife Removal. Call us today to get started with a FREE estimate at 703-884-2124!
