Skunks are known for their distinctive black and white coloring and their powerful defensive spray, but they also carry health risks that many homeowners overlook. If you’ve seen a skunk wandering through your yard, nesting under a deck, or acting strangely near your home, it’s important to understand the potential dangers.
While not every skunk encounter is cause for alarm, there are situations where caution is essential. Rabies and parasites are two of the most common concerns linked to skunks, especially during the warmer months when wildlife activity increases.
Understanding the Risk of Rabies
Skunks are one of the top wild animals that test positive for rabies in North America. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It can be transmitted through bites or even saliva from an infected animal.
Signs that a skunk may be rabid include unusual aggression, confusion, wandering in daylight, or difficulty walking. Rabid skunks may appear disoriented or overly friendly, which is not normal behavior for this mostly nocturnal animal.
If you or a pet is bitten or scratched by a skunk, seek medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to trap or kill the skunk yourself, as this can increase your risk of exposure.
Common Parasites Carried by Skunks
Beyond rabies, skunks can also carry parasites that pose risks to humans and pets. These include fleas, ticks, lice, and intestinal worms. These parasites can spread through contact with skunk fur, feces, or nesting sites.
Fleas and ticks may spread from skunks to pets, potentially bringing diseases such as Lyme disease or tapeworms into your home. Skunks can also spread roundworms and other intestinal parasites through their droppings, which can contaminate soil and garden areas.
If you suspect a skunk has been living under your porch or shed, it is important to clean the area carefully and avoid direct contact with any nesting materials or feces.
When to Call for Help
Not every skunk is a health threat, but it is better to be cautious. If you notice a skunk lingering near your home, acting oddly, or if you find signs of a den on your property, it’s time to call a professional wildlife control team.
Trained technicians can assess the situation, safely remove the animal if needed, and help you seal off entry points to prevent future visits. At Wildlife X Team, we use humane and effective methods to deal with unwanted wildlife while protecting your home and your health.
Preventing Skunk Problems
To reduce your chances of a skunk encounter, remove outdoor food sources such as pet food, unsecured trash, or fallen fruit. Keep your yard tidy, close off spaces under decks and sheds, and consider using motion-activated lights or sprinklers to discourage nighttime visits.
Proper prevention goes a long way toward keeping your property skunk-free and minimizing the risk of disease transmission.
Stay Safe Around Skunks
Skunks are a natural part of many ecosystems, but close contact can be dangerous. Knowing when to worry and when to call for help is the key to staying safe. If you encounter a skunk behaving strangely or repeatedly visiting your yard, let the experts at Wildlife X Team step in to protect your family and pets. Contact us today!