Although skunks are generally harmless creatures, it's best not to have them around. You risk getting a dose of their noxious spray on yourself, or worse, taking a bite that transmits anger. Skunks are omnivorous and can live in areas where there is litter and garbage, so you may find them in construction site areas and under porches. Learn how to make your property less hospitable to skunks seeking shelter and how to get rid of those that have already found a home.
Steps
Step 1. Remove nuts, berries, and other natural food sources
Skunks are scavengers, and they eat whatever they find. If you have trees with nuts, berries, wild apples, or other fruits, rake them out of your yard frequently.
- Other vegetation, such as piles of cut grass, should also be eliminated, because it can contain seeds or other food sources for the skunks.
- If you have a garden, harvest the ripe fruit and vegetables as soon as possible to prevent a hungry skunk from eating.
- Place a tray under the food rack of your bird's cage to collect most of the seeds, and clean it up often.
Step 2. Protect your waste
Like raccoons and other stray animals, skunks can survive on just your garbage. It is important to keep the bins properly sealed. Sometimes, regular garbage cans aren't enough. To protect yourself from animals that rummage through the waste, you can buy bins with a locking system at a fairly affordable price at your trusted store.
- If you can, keep trash cans in a shed or garage overnight so their smell won't attract skunks.
- Use a closed compost container, since skunks like to eat old fruit and vegetable peels, egg shells, and other items you put in the wet.
Step 3. Close the hiding places
Skunks like to make their lair under porches, porches, and other sheltered places. Close off spaces that may be attractive to skunks by using stones, fences, or plywood.
- Piles of logs and lumber or building materials can serve as shelters. Keep these materials in a shed or bin to avoid attracting skunks.
- Large bushes are also excellent shelters. If you see skunks poking out of bushes or low vegetation, you should cut off branches so they aren't as attractive anymore.
Method 1 of 2: Use Deterrents to Keep Skunks Away
Step 1. Put some lights in your garden
Skunks are nocturnal animals, and they flee from the bright lights. If the garden lights up at night it will be much less attractive to skunks. However, you risk attracting light-loving insects, such as crickets and moths.
- Since the lights are on all night, consider using solar lighting or energy-saving lighting to avoid paying expensive bills.
- You can also install a motion sensor that clicks when a skunk or other creature approaches. In this case, the skunk will have to enter before the light performs its deterrent action.
Step 2. Use chemicals that repel skunks
There are several chemicals that are repulsive to skunks. If you place them on the sides of your garden and in areas where skunks settle, they will begin to move away. Chemical repellents need to be reapplied every two to three days, especially after heavy rain.
- Fox and dog urine discourages skunks, because these animals are their natural predators. If you can figure out how to collect dog urine, that's fine for this use. You can also buy products that contain dog and fox urine in supermarkets or pet stores. Spray them all around the perimeter of your garden.
- Pepper sprays, also sold to repel squirrels and other wild creatures, are effective skunk repellents. Spray them on trees and other areas where you've spotted skunks.
- Ammonia also deters skunks. Soak old rags in ammonia and place them under your porch or patio to keep skunks away.
- Citrus peels have a natural repellent property. Sprinkle some orange or lemon peels around your property and under your patio or porch.
Step 3. Install automatic sprinklers
These turn on automatically when an animal wanders around, and are a safe and natural way to keep skunks away from your property. Place them in places strategically close to areas where you suspect skunks are taking refuge.
Method 2 of 2: Remove Skunks Already Living On Your Property
Step 1. Set a trap
The spring-loaded ones attract the skunk inside with baits, so close the passage behind them so that they cannot escape. Then take the skunk away from your property and set it free in the woods or other wilderness areas.
- Make the bait for the trap with peanut butter, canned sardines, cat food, or another food that has a strong smell. Place the trap near the den or in its path on your property.
- Traps designed for raccoons, stray cats, and other wildlife also work well for skunks.
- When you release the skunk in the woods, wear warm clothes and gloves, and be sure to keep your face well away from the trap door where the skunk will come out. Most of the time, skunks leave their traps calmly, but you need to take precautions in case they get splashed.
Step 2. Call the Animal Association
If you prefer to leave the management of the skunk to an expert, check if there is an animal protection center in your area that can send someone to take care of the skunk. They will surely have the tools and knowledge to trap and free the skunk with ease.
Advice
- When you free a skunk from the trap, be patient. It may take a few minutes for the skunk to recover and leave the trap.
- If you can, avoid catching skunks during their breeding season in the spring and summer. You would risk trapping an adult female skunk who has a den full of starving pups.
