How to Get Rid of Skunks: A Comprehensive Guide to Skunk Removal and Prevention

Skunks, with their distinctive black and white stripes, are fascinating creatures. However, when they decide to take up residence near or under your home, they quickly become more of a nuisance than a wildlife encounter. The pungent odor of their spray is not only unpleasant but can linger for days, and their digging habits can wreak havoc on your yard. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various humane and effective methods for getting rid of skunks and preventing their return.

Understanding Skunks: Their Behavior and Why They’re Attracted to Your Property

Before we dive into removal strategies, let’s understand why skunks might be drawn to your property. Skunks are nocturnal omnivores, meaning they’re most active at night and eat both plants and animals. They’re opportunistic feeders and are attracted to easily accessible food sources, including:

• Garbage Cans: Unsecured garbage bins are a smorgasbord for skunks.
• Pet Food: Leftover pet food, whether inside or outside, is an easy meal.
• Grubs and Insects: Skunks love digging for grubs, worms, and insects in lawns.
• Fruit and Berries: Fallen fruit and berries from trees and bushes are another attraction.
• Shelter: Skunks seek out sheltered places, such as under decks, porches, sheds, and foundations, for denning.
• Water Sources: Access to water, such as bird baths or leaky faucets, is also appealing.

Understanding these attractants will help you create a less inviting environment for skunks in the first place.

Humane Methods for Getting Rid of Skunks

When dealing with skunks, it’s important to prioritize humane methods. Skunks are not aggressive by nature and will only spray if they feel threatened. Here are several effective and humane strategies for removing skunks from your property:

1. Exclusion: Making Your Property Less Inviting

Exclusion is the most effective long-term solution for skunk control. This involves physically preventing skunks from accessing areas where they are causing problems.

Steps for Effective Exclusion:

1. Identify Entry Points: Carefully inspect your property, especially around foundations, decks, porches, and sheds, for any openings that skunks might be using. Look for holes, gaps, or areas where they might be digging.
2. Seal Off Openings: Once you’ve identified entry points, seal them securely. Use durable materials like:
   • Heavy-duty hardware cloth or wire mesh: This is effective for blocking holes and gaps. Make sure the mesh is buried at least 12 inches deep to prevent skunks from digging under it.
   • Concrete or metal flashing: These materials can be used to cover larger holes or prevent digging around foundations.
   • Solid wood or metal sheeting: Use these for areas that need a more solid seal.
3. One-Way Doors (Optional): If you suspect skunks are currently denning under structures, you can install a one-way door over the entry point. This allows them to leave but prevents them from re-entering. Make sure the one-way door is installed at a slight downward angle to encourage them to exit. Allow a few days (typically 3-5) to ensure all skunks have left before permanently sealing the entry point.
4. Timing is Crucial: Avoid exclusion during skunk mating season (late winter/early spring) or when young skunks are present, which are typically born in late April or May. Sealing a mother skunk away from her young will likely result in suffering and further issues. Always ensure that all skunks are out of the area before sealing it off. You may have to wait for the young to leave the den, which can take several weeks.

2. Habitat Modification: Removing Attractants

Making your yard less appealing to skunks is another critical step. This involves removing or modifying the elements that attract them in the first place.

Steps for Habitat Modification:

1. Secure Garbage Cans: Use tightly sealed garbage cans with locking lids. If possible, keep garbage cans inside a garage or shed until collection day.
2. Eliminate Food Sources:
   • Pet Food: Do not leave pet food outside, especially overnight.
   • Bird Feeders: Be cautious with bird feeders. Skunks can be attracted to spilled seed. Consider using a tray or limiting feeding during peak skunk activity hours (dusk and dawn).
   • Fallen Fruit: Regularly pick up fallen fruit from trees and bushes.
3. Remove Brush and Debris: Clear away piles of brush, wood, and other debris that provide shelter for skunks.
4. Control Grubs and Insects: If grubs are attracting skunks, consider using natural methods like nematodes or milky spore bacteria to control grub populations.
5. Elevate Structures: Seal the underside of sheds and decks with wire mesh, preventing skunks from taking up residence. If building new decks or sheds, make sure to elevate them at least 12 inches off the ground, preventing skunks from finding shelter underneath.

3. Repellents: Deterring Skunks

Repellents can be effective in discouraging skunks from entering your property. However, repellents often require consistent application, and their effectiveness can vary.

Types of Skunk Repellents:

• Predator Urine: Products containing predator urine, such as coyote or fox urine, can deter skunks by creating the illusion of a threat. These can be sprayed around areas that you want to keep skunks away from.
• Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These sprinklers can startle and deter skunks with sudden bursts of water. They are especially effective in larger open areas.
• Light and Noise: Bright lights, especially motion-activated ones, can be used to deter skunks. Combining this with motion-activated radios set to talk radio can also deter them.
• Natural Repellents: Certain scents are known to repel skunks, such as citrus peels, mothballs, and vinegar. However, these need to be replenished regularly. A mixture of castor oil and dish soap diluted in water and sprayed on the perimeter can act as a mild, non-lethal repellent.
• Commercial Repellents: Numerous commercial skunk repellents are available. Choose options that are specifically designed for skunks and follow the product instructions carefully.

4. Live Trapping (As a Last Resort)

Live trapping should be a last resort, as it requires careful planning and handling. It’s also essential to check local laws and regulations regarding trapping and releasing wildlife.

Steps for Live Trapping:

1. Choose the Right Trap: Select a humane, sturdy live trap designed for skunks. It should be large enough for the skunk to enter comfortably.
2. Bait the Trap: Effective baits include peanut butter, canned tuna or sardines, and marshmallows. Place the bait at the back of the trap.
3. Set the Trap: Place the trap in an area where skunks are known to frequent, like near their entry point, or a regularly used pathway. Set the trap in an area that’s relatively flat and stable.
4. Check the Trap Regularly: Check the trap multiple times per day, especially early in the morning, so you can immediately release or handle the trapped skunk.
5. Handle with Care: If you catch a skunk, it’s crucial to approach the trap cautiously. Cover the trap with a blanket or sheet to calm the skunk. Speak softly, and avoid any sudden movements that might cause the skunk to spray.
6. Relocate Responsibly: Relocating a trapped skunk should ideally happen in the same area it was found, but away from your property. It’s important to check local regulations regarding wildlife relocation. Avoid releasing near other people’s homes. If this isn’t an option, relocate the skunk at least five miles away in a suitable, undisturbed habitat where they will have a better chance of thriving.

Important Note: It’s generally recommended to contact your local animal control or wildlife removal service for help with trapping and relocating skunks. They have experience handling these animals safely and know local regulations regarding wildlife. You should never handle a trapped skunk yourself without proper training and protective equipment.

Dealing with Skunk Spray

If you or your pet is unfortunate enough to be sprayed by a skunk, acting quickly can reduce the lingering odor. Here’s a method for removing skunk spray:

The Mixture Recipe:

• 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• ¼ cup of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap

Application Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a bucket or large container (not a sealed one), combine the hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. Use the mixture immediately after combining ingredients.
2. Apply to the Affected Area: Thoroughly apply the solution to the affected area. For pets, avoid getting the solution in their eyes, nose, and mouth. For humans, avoid contact with sensitive areas and rinse immediately with water if irritation occurs.
3. Work Into Fur (For Pets): Gently work the mixture into your pet’s fur, making sure you get to the skin.
4. Let it Sit: Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing it to neutralize the skunk oil.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Thoroughly rinse the affected area with lukewarm water. Repeat if the odor is still present.
6. Shampoo (For Pets): Follow with a pet shampoo to cleanse any remaining residue.

Important Notes on Skunk Spray Treatment:

• Do not use the solution near the eyes of your pet or yourself. If contact occurs, rinse immediately with water.
• Use the mixture immediately after combining ingredients as it can cause pressure in a closed container.
• Always handle hydrogen peroxide with caution.
• This method works because the peroxide oxidizes and neutralizes the compounds that cause the odor of skunk spray.
• Avoid using tomato juice, as it doesn’t really eliminate the odor but masks it.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Skunks Away

Prevention is always better than dealing with a skunk problem. Here are key steps to keep skunks away from your property:

1. Maintain a Clean Yard: Keep your yard free of debris, fallen fruit, and brush piles.
2. Secure Food Sources: Properly store garbage, pet food, and bird seed.
3. Seal Entry Points: Seal any gaps or openings under decks, sheds, and foundations.
4. Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your property to identify and address potential skunk attractants before they become a problem.
5. Use Repellents Strategically: Use repellents as a preventive measure around the perimeter of your property or in areas where skunks are known to frequent.
6. Motion-Activated Lights and Sprinklers: These tools can serve as an additional barrier, making your property less attractive to skunks.
7. Consider Professional Help: If you have recurring skunk issues, consider consulting a wildlife removal service for ongoing prevention strategies and solutions.

Conclusion

Skunks can be a frustrating nuisance for homeowners, but with the right approach, you can effectively get rid of them and prevent their return. Prioritizing humane exclusion methods, habitat modification, and careful use of repellents can create an environment that is less inviting to skunks. When necessary, live trapping should be carried out responsibly and ethically, with careful consideration of local laws and regulations. By following the advice in this guide, you can coexist peacefully with skunks and enjoy your yard without worrying about unwanted guests.