It can be hard to see skunks as a nuisance. These small mammals are undeniably cute with their pink noses, black eyes, and flamboyant tails. Most people can’t help thinking of the famous cartoon version who sweetly likened himself to a fragrant flower.
But make no mistake, there are dangers to you and your home if these small creatures decide to take up residence. Homeowners need to educate themselves about these creatures and learn how to avoid being sprayed by a skunk.
Avoid Being Sprayed By a Skunk With These Tips
The skunk’s natural defense is a noxious spray that can linger in your yard, beneath your home, on your pets, and on you for extended periods. Anyone who has caught a whiff of skunk spray knows that avoiding being sprayed by a skunk is crucial.
Learn the Warning Signs
Skunks are not aggressive animals by nature. They only spray when they feel threatened and they give easily identifiable warning signs before they do. If you find yourself in proximity to a skunk, watch for these behaviors:
- Freezing and raising their tail
- Hissing and stomping their front feet
- Turning their hindquarters towards you and going into a handstand
If confronted with these behaviors, back away from the skunk slowly avoiding any sudden movements that could be seen as a threat.
Discourage Dens
Skunks are nocturnal creatures who live in dens. In nature, they tend to use the abandoned dens of other creatures as their homes. In residential areas, they often take up residence beneath porches, decks, raised sheds, in crawl spaces, or undisturbed piles of debris or wood in a yard.
The best tip for how to avoid being sprayed by a skunk is to keep them off of your property in the first place. You can discourage skunks from living around your home by securing trash cans and not leaving out ready food sources such as pet food or wildlife feeders. You should also clean up the yard and remove any debris.
Call In the Professionals for Skunk Removal in Anne Arundel
If you do have skunks living on your property, never attempt to remove them yourself. Not only are you likely to get sprayed, but skunks have been known to bite when under extreme threat. Use reputed professionals like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Removal whose methods have been proven to be effective and safe.
What To Do If You Get Sprayed By a Skunk
Skunks can spray their scent over a distance of 8 feet or more. While the scent will dissipate fairly quickly in the air, if it comes into contact with a person, animal, or porous surface, the odor can last for days or even weeks. If you or your pet get sprayed by a skunk, the following mixture will help remove the smell:
- 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of dish soap
Rub in the mixture well, avoiding any contact with the eyes. Allow the mixture to sit on hair or fur for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing. If this does not get rid of the odor entirely, it will at the very least reduce it significantly.
Contact Skedaddle to Prevent Yourself From Being Sprayed by a Skunk
Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Removal has been handling bat, squirrel, raccoon, rodent, and skunk removal since 1989. Professionals like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Removal understand skunk behaviors and habits. We know how to avoid being sprayed by a skunk and how to remove them humanely. We also know how to secure your home to avoid future infestations.
Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Removal today. Our trained specialists are ready to remove unwanted pests, clean up their mess, and take action to protect your home going forward.
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