You’re out for a nice walk and come across a skunk. These guys can stop you dead in your tracks. The reason you stand frozen is you know they have the ability to spray you with a fluid that is extremely smelly. In Texas, skunks seem to be more active during the winter months. The striped skunk is the most common one you’ll come across in Texas. They are about the size of a house cat with a white stripe on either side of its back that goes up over the head and down the sides of a bushy tail. They also have a couple of large scent glands at the base of their tail that produces that potent smell they are so well known for.
Effect of Skunk Spray on Humans
Skunks are social animals who like to live together in a winter den. They are naturally mild-mannered and non-aggressive. They are nocturnal, and it is very rare to see one outside of its den until evening. If a skunk feels threatened in any way they will give you a few warning signs that you may be getting sprayed. They may purr and growl and then will get up on their hind legs and lurch forward, stamp their front feet and click their teeth. This is a warning that you should get away from it or suffer the consequences. They can spray with a range of up to 10 feet and the smell can last for days but it won’t cause you any harm.
Signs of Skunks
Tracks can be signs you have skunks on your property. These tracks can be mistaken for raccoon tracks because they both have five toes. The fifth toe can be hard to see in tracks left behind by skunks. The droppings of skunks will contain undigested insect parts, but their smell is the easiest way to identify them. If your dog or cat comes into the house smelly they have most likely had an encounter with a skunk.
How to Keep Skunks Away
There are some DIY ways you can keep skunks away.
• The best method is using light as a great deterrent because skunks are nocturnal. Their eyes are very sensitive to it so use bright lights to keep them away.
• Skunks don’t like the smell of castor oil and dish-washing detergent. You can mix these with water and spray any areas you suspect skunks have been.
• Skunks also don’t like the smell of citrus fruits, so you can leave some rinds around areas of activity.
• Rags soaked in ammonia are also a good way to keep them away.
• Bars of soap or room deodorizers in areas of activity also work well at keeping them away.
Skunk Wildlife Inspections, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
Skunks look cute but are one of four wild animals considered to be primary carriers of the rabies virus. If you think you’re dealing with skunks, then you need to act quickly. Call the professionals at A-Tex Pest Management to trap them and move them elsewhere.