How to Get Rid of Skunks: The Ultimate Skunk Control Guide
Introduction
Skunks may look harmless, but they can quickly turn your yard into a nightmare. These nocturnal animals leave behind a strong spray odour, dig up lawns, and scavenge through garbage in search of food. During breeding season, they seek out safe shelters near homes, making it essential to take proactive steps to find out how to get rid of skunks before they settle in.
Understanding Skunk Behavior
Skunk Activity and Signs of Infestation
Since skunks are nocturnal, they are most active at night. If your trash bins are frequently overturned, your lawn has been dug up, or you notice an unmistakable foul odour, you may have skunks living nearby. Skunk tracks resemble those of a house cat but have five toes and long claws, with heel pads about two inches long. Their droppings are tubular, rounded at the ends, and measure about one to two inches long, often found near their dens or feeding areas.
What Attracts Skunks to Your Yard?
Skunks are drawn to easily accessible food sources and shelter. Open garbage cans, unsealed trash bins, scattered bird seed, and pet food provide an easy meal for them. They also eat insects, rodents, and other foods commonly found in gardens and lawns. Under porches, decks, sheds, and crawl spaces, there they offer them an ideal hiding place during the day, making these locations prime nesting spots. Inspect your window wells around the house, sometimes they fall in and they cannot get out on their own, so doing periodic checks is a good idea. The skunk may feel like a trapped animal and spray out of fear or frustration.
How to Prevent Skunks from Invading Your Property
Skunk-Proofing Your Yard
To help keep skunks away from your house, start by eliminating their food sources. Secure your trash cans with tight-fitting lids, get rid of any fallen bird seed from bird feeders, or fallen fruit from trees, protect or wrap any garden vegetables, and avoid leaving pet food outside overnight. Cover window wells with wire mesh or sheet metal to prevent skunks from falling into them. Using wire mesh to block access under decks, sheds, and porches can further discourage skunks from settling on your property.
Securing Gardens and Lawns
Skunks are notorious for digging up gardens in search of food. To protect your garden, install a strong wire meshing (but not chicken wire) that extends at least 12 inches into the ground and 12 inches outward to prevent skunks from burrowing underneath. Get rid of fallen fruits they can eat, vegetables, and other sources that will make it less attractive to these animals.
Making Your Yard Unwelcoming to Skunks
Skunks prefer dark, quiet environments. Installing bright outdoor lights and using motion-activated sprinklers can scare away skunks before they establish a home. Playing a talk radio station near potential den sites can also create an unsettling environment, making skunks less likely to stick around and smell up your property.
Natural Methods to Deter Skunks
Using Strong Scents as Skunk Repellent
Skunks have a strong sense of smell, making certain odours an effective deterrent. Placing ammonia-soaked rags in areas with skunk activity can encourage them to leave. Rotten eggs and predator urine, such as dog urine, mimic the scent of natural predators and can make skunks feel unsafe. Apple cider vinegar works well, as does cayenne pepper mixed with water to form a paste.
Store-Bought Skunk Repellents
Several commercial skunk repellents are available at garden centers, including hot pepper sprays, mothballs, and predator urine. These repellents should be applied regularly to maintain their effectiveness. Placing ammonia-soaked rags near entry points can further discourage skunks from settling on your property.
How to Scare Skunks Away
Immediate Methods to Remove a Skunk
If you notice a skunk lingering in your yard, taking quick action can prevent it from settling. Motion-activated water devices and ultrasonic deterrents startle skunks, encouraging them to leave. Bright lights can disrupt their nocturnal habits, while loud noises from radios or alarms make the area feel unsafe and help get rid of them.
Using Plants to Repel Skunks
Certain plants naturally deter skunks due to their strong scent. Skunks dislike the smell of lavender, mint, chamomile, garlic, and hot peppers. Planting these in the ground around the perimeter of your yard can create a natural barrier that discourages skunks from entering.
Humane Skunk Removal Techniques
Dealing with a Trapped Skunk
Skunks sometimes get trapped under sheds, porches, or inside fenced areas. A one-way door allows them to exit without being able to return, making it an effective and humane removal method. Covering escape routes with wire mesh or sheet metal can help prevent them from coming back. If a skunk gets trapped in a window well, keep your dogs inside, drop down an old towel or blanket into the well that they can climb out from, and by morning time it might be gone.
Local Laws Regarding Trapping and Relocating Skunks
If trapping is necessary, it’s important to follow local ordinances regarding skunk removal. In some regions, relocating skunks is illegal due to concerns about disease transmission. Contacting a humane wildlife expert for information ensures that skunks are removed safely and legally.
Dealing with Skunk Spray
How to Neutralize Skunk Smell
If you or your pet gets sprayed by a skunk, acting quickly is essential to minimize the lingering odor. A powerful mixture of baking soda, dish detergent, and warm water effectively breaks down the skunk’s spray, neutralizing the smell. Despite popular belief, tomato juice is not as effective, so save your money and skip the hassle. For outdoor surfaces and fabrics, vinegar works well to eliminate any remaining odor.
Preventing Future Skunk Encounters
Skunks spray when they feel threatened, so avoiding sudden movements and giving them space can help prevent an attack. They are more active at night so supervise your dog outside if need be. Keeping your yard free of food and shelter opportunities will make it less attractive to skunks, reducing the likelihood of future encounters from these animals.
When to Call Professional Wildlife Control
Knowing When to Seek Expert Help
If DIY methods aren’t working to deter skunks, or if they keep coming back, it may be time to contact the Affordable wildlife control professionals. Our experts can safely and legally evict the skunks living there while following all local regulations. They can also provide long-term prevention solutions to ensure skunks do not return.
Understanding Local Area Laws on Skunk Removal
Before attempting to trap or relocate a skunk, it’s important to check your local laws and permit requirements. Some areas require most animals trapped to be released within a certain distance, while others prohibit relocation altogether. Working with a humane wildlife control company ensures that all skunks are evicted safely and ethically.
Conclusion
Getting rid of skunks requires a combination of prevention, deterrence, and humane removal techniques. By securing food sources, using skunk repellents, and making your yard unwelcoming, you can keep skunks off your property. If needed, professional affordable wildlife control services can provide safe and legal skunk removal, helping you maintain a skunk-free yard for the long term.