Skunks dig up gardens, burrow under porches and sheds, and damage other outdoor structures. They can also spray a toxic odor that lingers for days and may carry dangerous bacteria and viruses.

Many property owners use over-the-counter skunk repellents to keep these nuisance animals away. While these products might temporarily work, they aren’t effective in the long run.

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Skunks are omnivorous and can seriously damage your yard by digging up garden beds, eating flowers, and destroying vegetables. They also spray a foul-smelling odor that can last for weeks, making it difficult to enjoy your outdoor space.

The best way to keep skunks away is to prevent them from accessing your property in the first place. This means keeping garbage can lids tight, removing fallen fruit, and covering bird feeders. Using a motion-activated security light is also a good idea to scare off any skunks that come near your home at night.

If you need skunk removal, a live trap is the most humane method. Avoid using strong repellents such as predator urine or capsaicin-based products, which can be toxic to people and pets. You can also try drowning the skunk or injecting it with acetone (nail polish remover), but these methods are inhumane and often fail.

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Skunks often fall into window wells, cellars, and holes in the ground. Keeping people and pets away from these areas is crucial until the skunk can be trapped. A cleated board can be placed in the hole and slowly lowered until it’s under the skunk.

Alternatively, you can place a bucket or garbage bag filled with ammonia in the area. The smell should dissipate quickly once the skunk is dead.

Preventing skunk activity on your property can be a difficult task. These opportunistic creatures are drawn to low-hanging fruit, trash cans, bird feeders left out at night, and convenient denning sites like wood and rock piles, open sheds, or gaps under porches and decks. You can decrease the likelihood of a skunk encounter by taking simple preventive measures like securing trash cans, covering window wells, and feeding pets indoors (or removing food immediately afterward). However, if you encounter one, it’s best to call our wildlife removal service for assistance.

Get Rid of the Odor

Skunks are known for their foul-smelling spray, but they’re also a nuisance and can cause damage to gardens and other outdoor areas as they search for food. They can also carry diseases that can be transmitted through bites or scratches.

Several at-home techniques and products can help remove skunk smell from people, pets and items. It’s best to use these as soon as possible after contamination since the longer the skunk smell is allowed to set in, the more difficult it will be to get rid of.

Some of these include hydrogen peroxide, which is effective as an oxidizer and deodorizer for fabrics and surfaces. White vinegar is another option for those who don’t want to use bleach. In addition, running fans in your home can keep the air moving and prevent skunk odor from settling into fabrics. A one-way door excluder can also block skunk access to your property.

Restore Peace of Mind

Skunks are a nuisance because of their strong and foul smell and ability to dig holes in lawns, gardens and other outdoor areas. They also carry diseases that can be dangerous to humans and domesticated animals.

You can do some things independently to help keep skunks away from your property. For example, properly dispose of trash and remove any food sources that may attract them (such as pet food left out overnight or fallen fruit). Motion-activated lights can also deter skunks by emitting a scare-and-fright sound when approaching your property. A fence can also help keep skunks and other unwanted wildlife out of your yard.

If you’ve tried these methods and still deal with skunks on your property, it’s time to call a professional. Ehrlich specialists know how to safely and humanely trap skunks and relocate them to a safe, appropriate habitat. They can also provide recommendations on preventing skunks from entering your home in the future.