Skunks on your property can be a nuisance because of the stench they leave behind after visiting. But there are safe, effective, and humane means of deterring skunks from your house. In this guide, you will find simple steps to remove skunks, handle their odor, and protect your home.
Easy Ways to Remove Skunks on Your Property
If you find spotted skunks in your yard or under your home, you will need to take some action fast. Here are a few good simple ways of getting rid of them:
Seal all entry points
Skunks like to live in burrows under decks, sheds, or crawl spaces. Use wire mesh or chicken wire to seal those holes off them. Be sure and leave them an exit if skunks already live there.
Make Them Uncomfortable with Lights and Noises
Skunks are night creatures. They always prefer dark and silent places. Install motion-activated lights or loud music around their dens. This will be less attractive to them.
Remove Food Attractants
Food is the main attraction for these skunks. They’ll feed on garbage, pet food—even bird seed. Ensure tight lids on garbage cans. Bring in the animals’ food and clean up bird seed that’s fallen on the ground.
Install a Fence
Putting up a low fence around your yard or garden could be one of the effective means of keeping the skunks away from your place. Bury the fence a few inches into the ground because the skunk can dig.
Natural Repellents
Skunks abhor some smells like citrus and peppermint. You can place citrus peels or spray peppermint oil around their burrows.
Removing Skunk Odor from Your Home
No doubt one of the major concerns about skunks is the capability of leaving a terrible odor behind them. If your pet or even near your home has been sprayed by a skunk, here is how to remove that awful smell:
Baking Soda and Peroxide Solution
This is one of the most potent home remedies for eliminating skunk smell. Mix 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap. Wash the affected area—be it your pet or a sprayed area—with this solution. Be sure not to get it in anybody’s eyes.
Vinegar and Water
For a lesser pungent smell, you can make a water and vinegar solution. Spray this solution over the sprayed carpets, furniture, or other areas.
Tomato Juice Myth
Other people still swear by bathing with tomato juice. This is not as potent as baking soda and peroxide. Tomato juice would mask the odor but not neutralize it.
Prevent Skunks from Coming Back
Once you get rid of the skunks on your property, there is much more to be done to prevent them from returning. Here is how to do it:
Tightly Close Trash Cans
Skunks are always ready for food. You need to make sure your garbage cans are sealed tight so the thing inside won’t spill out and so is no left-out food.
Remove Debris
The yard full of wood, rocks, or debris is an attractive spot for the skunks to build dens. Avoid this by keeping the place clean.
Fit Motion Lights
Skunks don’t prefer bright lights. Motion-sensor lights throughout your house will keep the skunks away.
Fence Your Yard
If skunks regularly visit your yard, then a fence might be able to keep them out. Just make sure to dig a trench and push part of the fence underground so that they can’t easily dig under it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are some common mistakes to avoid in trying to get rid of skunks:
No Using Moth Balls
Mothballs have many times been marketed as a skunk repellent, but they are toxic for both pets and children. Instead, just avoid using them.
Avoid Using Ammonia
Dampening cloths with ammonia and waiting for them to fill the burrow with ammonia fumes is harmful to the skunks as well as the environment.
Do not Trap Without First Checking Your Laws
In some locations, trapping and relocations of skunks are illegal. Ensure that you have checked your local laws before trapping the skunks.
Safe Repellents You Can Use
If you prefer using organic ways to scare skunks away, here are a few non-toxic methods to do so: If you need similar advice, take a look at How to Eliminate Raccoons.
Citrus Peels
Skunks detest the smell of citrus. Hang orange or lemon peels around any nesting sites.
Peppermint Oil
This peppermint oil can be used as a repellant in your yard when sprayed lightly.
Predator Urine
Some use the coyote or fox urine as a repellent but should only obtain it through ethical means. At the same time, add security and aesthetic value to your yard with Glass Block Windows.
Conclusion
Skunks can be simple to get rid of. Implementing simple, humane methods to remove skunks safely from your property will ensure they don’t return. If you’re looking for technology oriented solutions to maintain communication consider checking out Wifi Extenders. Ranging from sealing entry points to using citrus peels as a natural repellent, the solutions below ensure that you keep your yard skunk-free without harming wildlife. To obtain further articles related to residence and garden topics, go to our home page.
FAQs
Read our article about James Franco and find out about one of the most interesting personalities in modern Hollywood.