Skunks are of course known for the stinky odor that they spray as a self-defense mechanism. The smell of a skunk’s stink spray can travel for miles and is unpleasant no matter how far away you are. If you are familiar with a skunk’s smell, then it goes without saying that the last thing you want is a skunk infestation on your property.
Oftentimes, the first sign of an animal infestation is a pattern of shed fur left behind on your property or even inside your home. If you find such a sign that you think may indicate that skunks are on your property, you might understandably wonder if skunks actually shed their fur or not.
Is Shedding Fur a Sign of a Skunk Infestation?
When you come across traces of black and white fur around your house, you might ask yourself, “Do skunks shed?”After all, the first black-and-white critter that likely comes to mind is the odorous skunk.
The answer is yes, skunks do shed their fur. However, one lone patch of fur might not be a sign of infestation. If you repeatedly find patches of shed fur, or if you notice other traces of a skunk’s presence in conjunction with fur leavings, then it is much more likely that skunks are sheltering on your property.
Other telltale signs of a skunk infestation include:
- The odor from spray, urine, or nesting materials
- Skunk droppings
- Skunk tracks
Another sign to watch for is the presence of burrows. Skunks tend to build their dens under decks and sheds or inside hollow logs. They might also burrow holes in your lawn in search of insects to feast on.
Do Skunks Shed Their Fur During Certain Times of Year?
Skunks only shed their fur twice a year. They primarily shed in the springtime to make room for a soft downy layer of fur, and then again in the fall to bring out their warmer, thicker coat. If you notice fur sheddings during the spring or fall seasons, then it may be necessary to contact a wildlife control expert to confirm whether or not you have an issue.
If you find fur during summer or winter when skunks are outside of their shedding seasons, there are steps you can take to confirm whether or not the sheddings came from a skunk. Consider scheduling an appointment with a wildlife control specialist who can check for other signs of a skunk’s presence and identify what type of animal the fur comes from. Skunks primarily only shed in spring or fall, so fur found in other seasons may originate from another, less intrusive animal.
How Can You Prevent a Skunk Infestation on Your Property?
Even if you confirm that skunks are on your property, it is important to keep in mind that DIY solutions for skunk removal can be both dangerous and ineffective. Common methods such as mothballs or ammonia tend not to deter skunks at all and may instead be blatantly harmful to them. You might also frighten the critter if you attempt to remove it yourself, causing it to release its foul stink spray that can leave a lasting odor on your property or even harm any household pets you might have.
The best way to prevent an infestation is to work with wildlife control experts. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we use humane methods to safely remove skunks and other pests from your property. We then take steps to clean your home and make sure that the animal will not return afterward.
Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control Can Help
A skunk infestation is a nightmare for homeowners. These otherwise adorable critters not only burrow into your lawn and shed their fur on your property, but they can also leave behind a foul odor that lasts for weeks or even months if left untreated. Contact Skedaddle today to learn more about how to keep skunks away in Madison.
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