by Derrick |
Last Updated: January 8, 2023 Are you dealing with a skunk problem in your neighborhood? Have you been searching for the most effective ways to eliminate them?
Look no further because we have compiled the best tips and tricks for getting rid of skunks humanely and safely. Read on to find out how to eliminate skunks from your house and yard!
Identify the Problem
Identifying the problem is the first step to getting rid of skunks.
Here are some signs you might have skunks living nearby:
A Musky Odor
The smell of a skunk is unmistakable and can often be described as musty and pungent. Depending on the individual skunk, it can range from sweet and musky to sharp and acrid.
Some describe the smell as similar to a mixture of garlic, rotten eggs, burned rubber, or even burning matches.
Seeing Skunks During The Night or As Dusk Approaches
Skunks are easily recognized by their black and white fur. They range in size from 10-20 inches, have small ears, and a long bushy tail. Their heads are pretty small, with large eyes, sharp claws for digging up food, and pointed snouts for sniffing food.
Burrowed Holes Around Your Property
Skunks often burrow in the ground or take refuge in hollow logs. They will also use abandoned dens left behind by other animals, such as woodchucks or badgers.
Skunks will dig a burrow up to 9 feet long, with multiple chambers and a nest at the end.
Skunks can make their homes in residential yards, particularly in gardens or locations with low plant cover. They will also take shelter under porches, decks, and around woodpiles or compost piles. Skunks might also use a dog house for shelter if you have a dog house in your yard.
They Will Leave Signs When They Look For Food
You may notice evidence of digging for food, such as overturned stones, potted plants turned upside down, or disturbed mulch beds. Skunks may also dig small holes in your grass while looking for grubs.
Be Sure to Check For Tracks
Tracks from their tiny feet in the snow, mud, or dirt near doorways and around your yard is a telltale sign.
Skunk tracks look like small, symmetrical ovals with five toes at the front and five at the back. The fur between the toes may leave a visible pattern on the track. You can also sometimes see long, curved claws at the tip of each front toe.
Secure Your Property
Once you have identified and inspected your property for potential entry points, installing fencing is the next step to secure your property from skunks. This is especially important if you have a garden or a compost pile that could attract skunks. Fencing can help keep skunks away from these food sources and discourage them from entering your property. You should also eliminate food, water, and shelter sources that could attract skunks. This includes bird feeders, pet food, open garbage cans, or other potential food sources. Make sure that all these sources are out of reach for skunks. If possible, trim any trees or bushes that could provide cover for skunks and remove any debris or piles of wood where skunks could take shelter.
Inspect Your Property For Potential Entry Points
This means inspecting your property for potential entry points that skunks may use to get into your yard or home. Look for any holes in the foundation or siding that may provide access to the skunks and seal them off. Additionally, you may want to install a fence around your property to discourage skunks from entering in the first place. Once you have taken these steps, you can look at other ways to dissuade skunks from entering your property and home.
Eliminate Sources of Food, Water, and Shelter
Once you have identified the problem and secured your property, the next step is to eliminate sources of food, water, and shelter that attract skunks.
Skunks are opportunistic eaters and will be attracted to anything from pet food, bird seed, and compost to fallen fruit from trees. Make sure all food sources are cleaned up and secured in air-tight containers.
If you have fruit trees and/or gardens, remove any fallen fruit/vegetables from the ground around your yard.
Additionally, make sure to securely cover any compost piles or garbage cans that may be present on your property.
If you store any pet food outside, store the food with tight-fitting lids.
Finally, it is crucial to eliminate potential shelter sources such as wood piles, rock piles, and brush piles. Skunks will take shelter in these areas, so removing these sources of cover is essential as quickly as possible.
Prevent Skunks from Entering Your Home
Once you’ve identified the problem and secured your property, it’s time to prevent skunks from entering your home. One of the best ways to do this is to use skunk repellents. These repellents come in various forms and can be used inside and outside your home. Commonly used repellents include ammonia, mothballs, citrus, predator urine, and homemade pepper spray. To make homemade pepper spray, boil one chopped yellow onion, one jalapeno pepper, and one tablespoon of cayenne pepper in two quarts of water for about 20 minutes. Strain the liquid and then use it to dampen rags or spray around your property. You can also use bright lights around your home as a deterrent, as skunks don’t like bright light. Lastly, you can buy commercial skunk repellents from most pet stores or online retailers.
Use Repellents(Skunk Deterrents) and Traps
Types Of Repellents
Repellents are products that contain a pungent odor that skunks do not like. Several repellents are available, including ammonia, predator urine, hot pepper spray, and even homemade concoctions.
Ammonia is especially effective because skunks are naturally averse to strong odors. You can also try using predator urine, such as a coyote or fox, as this will scare them away because they will think a predator is nearby.
For an easy-to-make homemade repellant solution, Gardeningetc.com recommends mixing one teaspoon of baby shampoo or dish detergents such as Dawn, ¼ cup of baking soda, and one quart of at least 3% hydrogen peroxide. This solution can be sprayed around your property to deter skunks from entering.
How To Properly Use Repellents
Using repellents is an effective way to deter skunks from your property. Repellents, such as sprays, granules, and rags soaked in ammonia, come in different forms. If you choose to use repellents to get rid of skunks, make sure to follow the label instructions carefully.
You can also use bright lights, as skunks are not fans of bright light. You can also try using commercial skunk repellent sprays or homemade repellents that contain citrus, ammonia, mothballs, and predator urine (dog or coyote). For best results, apply the repellents frequently.
Contact a Professional Skunk Control Company
If all else fails, you may need to contact a professional pest control company that can handle skunks.
They will be able to assess the situation and provide you with an effective solution. Professional skunk control companies can advise how to prevent skunks from entering your property.
They may also be able to provide you with some tips on how to get rid of the smell of skunk if it has already entered your home.
Professionals are trained to handle this type of nuisance animal safely and humanely. If you cannot handle the problem independently, then it is best to contact a professional for help.
Keep Pets Away from Skunks
Keeping pets away from skunks is integral to keeping them away from your property. Ensure your pets are supervised outside and never left alone to roam around. If you leave your pet outside, secure the area with a fence or other barriers. Keep pet food indoors, and never leave it out for skunks to access. This will help prevent them from seeking food sources in your yard and make it less likely for them to return.
Clean Up Food Sources
It’s important to eliminate food sources that might attract skunks.
To eliminate food sources in your yard, you should regularly clean up fallen fruits and vegetables, bird seeds, and pet food. Make sure to keep garbage cans adequately sealed and remove spilled trash.
Additionally, eliminate standing water, which attracts insects that skunks may feed on. If you have a garden, cover it with a fence or netting to discourage skunks from feeding there.
Get Rid of Cover and Shelter Sources
Once you have eliminated potential food and water sources, it is important to eliminate cover and shelter sources that may be attractive to skunks. Make sure to trim back any bushes or tall grass near your home and clean up any piles of wood or debris. If skunks are trying to find shelter near your home, try using barriers like fencing or bright lights to keep them away. You can also use skunk repellents such as ammonia or citrus oils to make the area less attractive. Finally, contact a professional skunk control company for help if all else fails.
Maintain Regular Property Maintenance
Maintaining regular property maintenance is essential in keeping skunks away. Regularly check for and repair any holes or cracks in your home, garage, or shed that could be used as entry points by skunks. Trim the trees and bushes near your home to reduce potential hiding spots. Make sure to regularly clean up any garbage or food waste left outside, as this can attract skunks. Lastly, ensure to install bright light sources around areas of your property prone to skunk activity.
Getting Rid Of The Skunk Smell
If a skunk sprays in or near your house, cleaning any objects that have been sprayed is key. People have created a homemade solution that has been shown to work well.
1. Open all the windows in your home to air it out.
2. Spray a mixture of vinegar and water on any skunked areas.
3. Make a solution of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap.
4. Scrub the affected areas with the solution.
5. Rinse the area with clean water.