Skunks are well-known for their ability to emit a foul odor, which is often recognized when driving down a rural road. Most people forget about these creatures until they start to cause a problem. However, the more you know about skunks, the more precautions you can take to prevent them from causing harm to you, your pets, and your property. Here are four interesting facts about these animals and why it is always best to hire a professional to safely and humanely perform skunk removal on your premises. 

1. Skunks Are Stinky 

Skunks emit an unpleasant-smelling spray in order to protect themselves from threats. However, the good news is that skunks generally only spray as a last resort, since it takes a few days for them to replenish their supply of spray in order to fend off another attacker. Skunks usually give off signals prior to spraying, so watch out for:

• Pounding of the back legs and feet
• Hissing and other threatening noises
• Puffing up the fur like a cat when it feels scared
• Straightening of the tail

Try to get as far away as possible if you see a skunk doing any of these actions since their spray can travel as far as 10-15 feet. If a skunk sprays your dog or cat, there are several steps you should take, including:

• Checking your pet’s eyes for signs of irritation and rinsing them with water if they are red 
• Giving your pet a wash with shampoo especially formulated to remove the smell of skunk
• Thoroughly drying your pet off

The smell of skunk spray is meant to be off-putting, but fortunately, there are ways to deal with the odor. 

2. Skunks Can Damage a Structure

Skunks can cause a lot of damage to a home or office building, as well as the landscape surrounding the structure. These critters are burrowing animals that like to dig with their sharp claws, causing holes to form next to and under a building’s foundation and potentially compromising the integrity of a structure. If you notice any signs of damage to your home, it is best to contact wildlife control in Milwaukee to find and remove the source of the destruction. 

3. Skunks Might Agitate Beehives

Most people know that it is best to leave a beehive alone so as not to anger the bees living inside. Skunks, however, see beehives as a source of food. Surprisingly, it is not the honey that these creatures are after, but the bees themselves. Take extra precautions regarding skunks if you have a beehive near your home. 

4. Skunks Burrow in Many Locations

Skunks are resourceful animals that take advantage of nesting in existing burrows previously created by other animals. In addition to holes in trees and fallen branches, skunks take up residence under porches, sheds, and other locations where they feel safe. Watch out for evidence of skunks in the springtime especially, as this is when they give birth to their babies. 

If you notice signs of skunks living under a building on your property, it is best to call a wildlife removal service to deal with the situation. These professionals are knowledgeable about skunks and know how to avoid picking up bacteria that skunks can carry. Rabies, in particular, is a cause for concern when it comes to animals such as skunks, as this is a fatal disease if treatment is not sought right away. 

If you need assistance with skunk removal on your property, contact the professionals at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control today. We can help with skunks as well as many other animals that might gain access to your Milwaukee home or place of business.