Skunks may look cute, but their presence in your yard can quickly turn into a stinky situation. Striped skunks are found in every U.S. state except Alaska and Hawaii,1 making them a common nuisance for homeowners nationwide.
While skunks play an important role in controlling insect and rodent populations, their tendency to dig holes, raid garbage cans, and, of course, spray their notorious odor can make them unwelcome guests.
Fortunately, there are humane and effective ways to evict these black-and-white critters from your yard without risking a face full of their noxious spray.
Understanding Skunk Behavior
To effectively deter skunks, it’s important to understand what attracts them to your yard in the first place.
Skunks are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they’ll eat just about anything they can find, including insects, small rodents, fruits, and even pet food. They’re also drawn to sheltered areas like wood piles, hollow logs, and underneath decks or sheds.
Skunks are most active at night, so if you’ve noticed a distinctive odor or small holes dug in your lawn, there’s a good chance you have a skunk problem. While they’re generally not aggressive, skunks will spray if they feel threatened, so it’s best to avoid direct confrontations.
Effective Methods to Get Rid of Skunks without Getting Sprayed
Now that we understand what attracts skunks to your yard and why they might choose to stay, it’s time to explore the most effective methods for getting rid of these striped intruders without falling victim to their pungent spray.
From natural repellents to physical deterrents and humane removal techniques, there are several strategies you can employ to reclaim your outdoor space and keep skunks at bay.
1. Use Natural Repellents
Skunks have a keen sense of smell and dislike strong scents. You can take advantage of this by using natural repellents around your yard:
- Predator Urine: Sprinkle coyote, fox, or dog urine near skunk den entrances and around your property to deter them.
- Citrus Peels: Place fresh orange and lemon peels in areas frequented by skunks. The strong citrus smell will keep them away.
- Ammonia-Soaked Rags: Soak rags in ammonia and place them in strategic locations. Replace the rags daily for best results.
- Hot Pepper Spray: Mix hot peppers, onion, jalapeño, and cayenne pepper in water. Boil the mixture, strain it, and spray it around your yard.
2. Remove Food Sources
Eliminate any potential food sources that may be attracting skunks to your property:
- Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and store them in a shed or garage.
- Remove fallen fruit from trees and keep your yard free of bird seed and pet food.
- Treat your lawn for grubs, as they are a favorite skunk snack.
3. Install Deterrents
Implement physical deterrents to discourage skunks from making themselves at home:
- Motion-Activated Lights: Set up bright lights triggered by motion to startle skunks and make them uncomfortable.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Install sprinklers that turn on when they detect movement, scaring skunks away.
- Ultrasonic Devices: Use devices that emit high-pitched noises to deter skunks, but be mindful of your pets.
4. Seal Off Potential Den Sites
Prevent skunks from making a home on your property by sealing off potential den sites:
- Use chicken wire to block access to areas under decks, sheds, and porches.
- Fill in any holes or burrows with dirt or rocks.
- Keep your yard tidy by removing wood piles, brush, and debris that could serve as skunk shelters.
5. Use Humane Traps
If all else fails, consider using live traps to humanely remove skunks from your property:
- Set up a large, raccoon-sized trap (at least 30 inches long) baited with sardines, tuna, or cat food.
- Check the trap regularly to avoid causing unnecessary stress to the skunk.
- Once trapped, cover the trap with a thick towel or burlap to reduce the skunk’s stress and the likelihood of spraying.
- Following local regulations, relocate the skunk to a suitable habitat far from residential areas.
Dealing with skunks in your yard doesn’t have to be a stinky situation. By understanding skunk behavior and implementing proper removal methods, you can effectively evict these unwanted guests without getting sprayed.
Remember to be patient, persistent, and always prioritize the safety and well-being of both yourself and the skunks.
Source:
Read Next:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.