Tips for Getting Rid of Skunks
A common sight in North America is the skunk. Often seen shuffling along gardens and pathways, the skunk has learned to live alongside humans. This close proximity has led to more than a handful of unpleasant encounters, ranging from being sprayed by the foul-smelling musk to having property damaged by the skunks digging dens under structures.
The skunk is typically a non-aggressive creature, however, this doesn’t give them a free pass around your home. Skunks cause a range of problems when they visit your property and it’s best to keep them away, here we’re going to look at the best ways to do this. While you could always try running after a skunk that you see to scare it away, it is not recommended; so let’s look at the best methods for getting rid of skunks.
Repellants
This is going to sound strange and almost ironic but, despite having a reputation of being a foul-smelling creature, skunks are very sensitive to smell. Their noses are adapted to pick up the faint smells of their food in the undergrowth, so strong and pungent smells are often avoided.
There are commercially available skunk repellants, however, these are a cocktail of chemicals and very often they are not effective as they need constant reapplying; this can become very expensive and the cost often doesn’t justify the limited success.
Many people have reported more success with homemade repellants made from hot peppers and onions, things that skunks naturally avoid. The best thing about these homemade concoctions is that they can be made far cheaper than store-bought varieties, and from items often found in the home.
Another method to use that has been effective is soaking a cloth or rag in bleach and putting these around where you want to keep skunks away from, typically where they might be burrowing. A commercially available product has been shown to be effective in discouraging skunks and other similar critters, this is predator urine. While skunks do not have many natural predators on account of their prolific defense, they will still avoid places that could cause conflicts with potential threats.
Fences
Skunks are poor climbers but prolific burrowers. The tip to using fences to protect your property is to build a solid fence (skunks will easily squeeze between spaces) and have this fence be at least 6 feet tall. The height will easily prevent a skunk, and many critters, from being able to climb and jump the fence; however, the fence must be dug at least a foot into the ground as skunks will easily dig under a fence if they can smell something they want to investigate.
Chain link fences have shown to be effective, however, these must be tall enough, buried down to prevent being burrowed under, and must be regularly maintained to ensure that no gaps have appeared as these will allow skunks and other pests inside.
Elimination of food source
If you see a skunk around your property, this is the first step that you should be taking. Go around and make sure that there isn’t a food source on your property that is attracting the skunks. The common North American skunk is an omnivore and this has helped them live alongside humans for years as they are more than happy to rummage through our trash to find a decent meal. Make sure that trash cans are either locked away in a unit, shed, or have snap locks on top to prevent skunks, as well as other pests, from getting in and creating a huge mess while seeking a meal.
If you have an outdoor compost pile this will attract skunks from far and wide; a compost heap is basically a buffet with vegetables, fruits, and lots of tasty insects and grubs that feed and contribute to the formation of the compost. A compost pile has everything a skunk could need in their diet and the pungent smell travels for a considerable distance for the skunk’s sensitive nose. Ensure that you have secured, or fenced off any compost pile that might be attracting these skunks.
In addition to compost piles is outdoor pet food, common for people who have cats. This cat food will also attract skunks for a free meal and will keep them coming back for more and more. Skunks are fairly intelligent and will quickly work out where to go for a quick, hassle-free meal. Avoid leaving pet food outside, this will not only keep away opportunistic skunks but also train your pets about specific meal times.
Call the professionals
This might be the last resort for a serious skunk problem or for people who have no desire to risk being “skunked”. Your local area will have a humane society or wildlife removal team that will be able to come to you. Professionals will be able to go around your property and assess the extent of the problem and recommend changes, installations, or adjustments. These experts will be able to repel or trap and relocate any skunks on your property and work to prevent their return. All while you avoid the risk of being sprayed.
This is often a service that must be paid for, however, if you are willing to pay then this is a great option for many people. Not everyone is physically able to make the changes needed to repel skunks and keep them away and having a local service available for people is a great convenience. Professionals will recognize the signs around your property of how severe the problem is or how you might be contributing to this. As experts in their field, they will know plenty about the habits and habitats of the skunk and use this experience to ensure that your property is as skunk proof as it can be.
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