Buzz
Skunks are generally harmless creatures, but it's best to keep them at a distance. You risk being sprayed with their notorious odor or, worse, bitten by a skunk carrying rabies. Skunks are omnivores that thrive on human waste, often found in yards or beneath houses. Learn how to make your property less appealing to skunks seeking shelter and remove any that have already invaded your home.
Steps
Eliminate food sources and shelter for skunks
Clean up nuts, berries, and other natural food sources. Skunks are scavengers and will eat any available nutrients. If your yard has nut trees, berry bushes, wild apples, or other fruit-bearing plants, regularly clean up fallen produce.
- Remove garden debris like grass clippings, as they may contain seeds or other food sources for skunks.
- If you have a vegetable garden, harvest ripe produce promptly to prevent hungry skunks from foraging.
- Place trays under bird feeders to catch fallen seeds and clean up spilled seeds regularly.
Secure your trash bins. Similar to raccoons and other scavengers, skunks can survive on garbage alone. Ensure your trash bins are tightly sealed. Standard bins may not always be secure. To deter wandering animals, consider purchasing a latch-secured trash bin, which is affordable and available at most hardware stores.
- If possible, store trash bins in a garage or shed overnight to prevent the smell from attracting skunks.
- Use sealed compost bins, as skunks are drawn to eggshells, fruit peels, old vegetables, and other compostable materials.
Eliminate potential skunk hiding spots. Skunks prefer sheltered areas like under decks, porches, and other covered spaces. Use fencing, plywood, or stones to block off these areas and make them less appealing.
- Piles of wood or construction materials can become skunk dens. Store these items in a shed or sealed container to prevent skunks from nesting.
- Dense shrubs also provide ideal shelter for skunks. If you notice skunks near bushes or low-hanging trees, consider trimming the branches to make these areas less inviting.
Repel skunks
Install bright lights in your yard. Skunks are nocturnal and avoid strong light. Illuminating your yard at night can significantly reduce its appeal to skunks. However, keep in mind that bright lights may also attract insects like crickets and moths.
- Lights should remain on all night, so consider using solar-powered or energy-efficient bulbs to save on electricity.
- Motion-activated lights are another option. These turn on when skunks or other animals approach, effectively scaring them away.
Use skunk repellents. Certain chemicals are known to repel skunks. Applying these around your yard and suspected skunk habitats can deter them. Reapply repellents every few days, especially after heavy rain.
- Skunks are naturally afraid of fox and dog urine, as these animals are their predators. If you can collect dog urine, use it as a repellent. Alternatively, purchase fox or dog urine-based products from stores and spray them around your yard.
- Pepper sprays used to deter squirrels and other wildlife can also repel skunks. Apply them to plants and areas where skunks are seen.
- Ammonia is another effective skunk deterrent. Soak rags in ammonia and place them under decks or porches to keep skunks away.
- Citrus peels, such as those from oranges or lemons, act as natural skunk repellents. Scatter them around your property and under porches.
Install motion-activated sprinklers. These devices automatically spray water when an animal approaches, providing a natural and safe way to deter skunks from entering your yard. Place the sprinklers near areas where skunks are likely to roam.
Dealing with an invading skunk
Set up a trap. Spring-loaded traps work by luring skunks inside with bait and then closing the door to prevent escape. Once captured, you can release the skunk into a forest or wild area.
- Use peanut butter, canned sardines, cat food, or other strong-smelling foods as bait. Place the trap near skunk shelters or entry points to your yard.
- Traps designed for raccoons, feral cats, and other wildlife are also effective for skunks.
- When releasing the skunk, wear thick clothing and gloves, and position the trap door away from you. Skunks usually exit calmly, but take precautions to avoid being sprayed.
Create a trash can trap. Use a 120-liter metal trash can and a sturdy wooden board.
- Before nightfall, place the trash can upright in the desired location. Secure it against a wall or sturdy object to prevent tipping. Use cat food as bait.
- Use a long, sturdy board (about 5 x 10 cm) to create a ramp for the skunk to climb into the trash can.
- Once inside, the skunk won’t be able to escape. Handle carefully to avoid being sprayed.
- Seal the trash can after the skunk is trapped. Transport it to a forest using a truck. Attach a 7-meter rope to the lid handle to release the skunk safely without risking a spray.
Contact animal control. If you prefer professional assistance, call your local animal control agency. They have the expertise and tools to safely trap and relocate skunks.
Tips
- Be patient when releasing a trapped skunk. It may take a few minutes for the skunk to regain composure and exit the trap.
- Check local regulations before trapping and relocating skunks. Some areas may prohibit this practice.
- If possible, avoid trapping skunks during spring and summer, their breeding season. You might accidentally trap a mother skunk, leaving her young to starve.
