While the fox and other pests can cause problems on their own, when they are infected with mange or another illness they can pose an even greater threat to your health.
While the fox and other pests can cause problems on their own, when they are infected with mange or another illness they can pose an even greater threat to your health and the health of your loved ones. While mange is not often a threat to human health, it can spread amongst animals and leads to terrible suffering. Here is how to spot mange and what you can to cure and prevent it.
Recognizing The Signs Of Mange
If you see a fox that is acting lethargic or unfearful of humans, it may have mange. Infected foxes tend to stick close to houses and eat under bird feeders. They seek refuge in unusual places for a fox, such as under decks or in hay in barns. This is because mange causes them to lose the ability to regulate their body temperature in late stages, meaning they need to seek shelter to stay warm and dry. A scruffy, thin appearance can also indicate that a fox is suffering from mange.
What Is Mange?
Mange, or sarcoptic mange, is the name for the skin disease caused by infection from the Sarcoptes Scabei mite. These mites are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Female mites burrow beneath the skin and leave a trail of eggs behind. This burrowing leads to an inflammatory response in the skin which is comparable to an allergic reaction. This causes an animal to be itchy, scratch it, and make their problems worse. They sleep less and their immune system becomes compromised, which allows parasites to take hold and absorb any nutrients a fox takes in. Foxes with late stage mange are generally starving. If a fox is balding, scaly, and sickly looking, it is very likely it has mange.
How To Treat Mange
As long as you begin to treat the animal before organ failure sets in, they will recover. Slip ivermectin into pieces of food where you know the fox will be. Do this every three days for three weeks. After that you can dose them every five days, but be sure to keep up with treatment for 4-5 weeks total. Ivermectin is non perscription and used commonly on livestock. It is the humane option.
What To Do When You See a Fox With Mange Near Your Home
What To Do When You See a Fox With Mange Near Your Home
Spotting a fox with clear signs of mange can be unsettling, especially when the animal seems unusually comfortable around people or wanders close to your porch. The first step is to observe from a distance. A sick or stressed fox may behave unpredictably, and getting too close increases the chance of contact with mites that can irritate human skin or spread to pets.
Keep pets indoors while the fox is present, and bring in food bowls, bird seed, or anything that might attract wildlife. These items encourage repeat visits and can draw in multiple animals, increasing the spread of mites. If you have outdoor cats or dogs that spend time in the yard, give them a brief check afterward for redness or itching, and wash bedding or blankets that sit outside.
If the fox appears stable enough to move around and forage, reach out to a local wildlife rescue or animal control specialist. Many organizations have volunteers who can assess the situation or offer guidance on treatment protocols used for wild canids. They may already be tracking cases in your area and can advise you on whether intervention is appropriate.
Do not attempt to corner, trap, or chase the fox. This adds stress and can cause injury to both you and the animal. Instead, make the space less inviting by securely closing off gaps under decks or sheds and storing feed in sealed containers. These steps discourage the fox from settling in while still allowing it to come and go safely.
If instructed by a trained wildlife professional, you may be able to support treatment by placing medicated food in a consistent location. Follow their guidance closely so dosing remains safe and effective.
Protect animal health from fox mange by calling Shumaker’s Animal Control!
Call Shumaker Animal Control today. Shumaker Animal Control is a twenty-five-year veteran of the animal and pest control profession. We are the Kingsville rodent control experts and can help you return your house to a cozy pest-free home. If you have any questions about raccoon removal or other rodent control, contact Shumaker Animal Control by calling (443) 854-8072 or click here today! You can also follow us at our Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.
