How to Get Rid of Skunks
You or your pet probably won’t be keen to experience being sprayed by a skunk again. Getting rid of a skunk that has taken up residence on your property is possible by using several deterrents and repellents. The best methods for permanently removing skunks from your property are detailed here. But first, let’s discuss how to know if skunks are attacking you.
How to Identify Skunks in Your Garden
Skunks are often the easiest to spot because of their unpleasant stench. The normal striped skunk is black all over except for a white stripe that runs the length of its back. Spotted skunk, the most common skunk in the United States, this species is about the size of a house cat.
Spotted skunks differ from standard skunks in size and appearance, with white spots and broken white strikes dotting their black fur. Skunks’ feet are disproportionately huge, and their claws are well-developed, making them ideal for digging.
Skunks can sometimes be identified from their tracks. Skunks and raccoons are frequently confused with one another because both species have five toes. Spotting the fifth toe in skunk tracks isn’t always easy. Their claw traces are often discernible, and their heels are rarely a part of the tracks. Skunk feces frequently include unprocessed insect remains.
Install a Motion-Detection Sprinkler
A skunk can be easily frightened away. They are easily startled and will run away at the first sign of trouble. A motion-activated sprinkler could answer your worries if you have a skunk in your garden. A motion-activated sprinkler is an excellent choice since it can be set to spray water at the skunks as they enter the area. The animal’s movement triggers the sensor, and the water jet erupts with a hissing sound.
Using water and loud noise can deter skunks without resorting to poisons or harmful chemicals. A reliable sensor is essential for any motion-detecting sprinkler system. This one’s sensitivity may be adjusted for both heat and motion. You may also program it to turn on at specific times.
To deter skunks and save money on water, you can configure the sprinkler to activate only when it is dark outside. To set up the tool, drive the spike into the ground and hook it up to a nearby water supply. The skunk’s height can be used to calibrate the sensor for improved detection.
Install Lights in your Yard
In the dark, skunks tend to avoid lights. To get rid of skunks from your yard, install large motion-sensor lights and position them in that direction. Don’t forget that the lights will certainly scare away other animals and nature. Because of their nocturnal lifestyle, skunks typically avoid areas with artificial lighting.
Remove Food Sources
Skunks are timid animals, so if one wanders into your yard, it probably has a solid reason to be there, like a food source. Do you have a lid for your garbage can? Are they drawn to an exposed compost heap, a pet food dish, or a bird feeder?
Skunks may be attracted to the fruits and vegetables in your garden, and you should protect them by fencing off the area. Though they can’t jump it, skunks can dig under a border, so it’s a good idea to bury a few feet of it or sprinkle cayenne or chili powder along the ground near it.
Use Skunk Repellents
Despite what you may think, skunks strongly dislike several common scents (as if they have room to judge). Skunks can be scared away using the smell of citrus, ammonia, mothballs, or the urine of a dog or coyote. Keep mothballs and cotton balls drenched in ammonia out of the reach of children.
Seal Your Bins Properly
If a skunk is looking for food, it may find itself at a veritable feast in one of those easy-to-open dumpsters. If you want to avoid the temptation, make sure yours are completely covered with secure lids. It would help if you considered other options for getting meals.
For example, if you’re planning on having an outdoor meal, don’t forget to put away the pet food and wash the dishes afterward; you can’t afford to leave them sitting there overnight.
Clean Up your Plot
Garden designs that assist wildlife in flourishing include stacks of logs, overgrown hedges, and other signs of the passage of time. But if you’re dealing with a skunk infestation, you might want to try something else.
Skunks may seek refuge in these areas, so clearing them out may dissuade them from your garden. The appearance of your yard will be less inviting to these visitors if you remove any low-hanging branches from plants and store any logs or stacks of building materials in a secure shed.
Get Rid of Shelters
Skunks are primarily nocturnal and seek dark places to sleep during the day. They can find daytime refuge in woodpiles, elevated sheds, other structures, and even open garages. Skunks may be attracted to chicken coops and doghouses placed outside rather than inside kennel enclosures.
During the colder months and the breeding season, they move into more permanent, mostly underground, quarters.
Will the same methods for keeping squirrels away also work for getting rid of skunks?
Yes, the same methods for keeping squirrels away in your yard can also be effective for getting rid of skunks. By implementing deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers, sealing off entry points, and using natural repellents, you can keep both squirrels and skunks from frequenting your property.
When to Call a Professional to Get Rid of Skunks
After using the measures mentioned above, professional assistance may be required if the skunk still refuses to leave your yard. Do not try to remove the skunk yourself if it is acting strangely. The skunk is one of the most common suspects as a rabies virus transmitter.
Get in touch with your area’s animal control or the state’s wildlife department if you are concerned that the skunk might be infected with rabies. Acting aggressively, sleeping throughout the day, and having seizures are all signs of rabies.
You should consult a specialist if you think the skunk may have had offspring. Young skunks often refuse to leave their burrow until they are fully grown, making it difficult to eradicate the pest population without professional help.
The Final Thoughts
If you’re concerned about skunks and want to keep them away, remove any potential food sources, such as grubs, from your property. Skunks will quickly move on. However, if a skunk does decide to make your home its own, you can safely and humanely drive it away. Consult your local wildlife authorities if you suspect the skunk has rabies or is acting suspiciously.