how to get rid of skunks

What happens to a skunk, or any night animal, once they see the flash is that it triggers their fight or flight survival instincts because they see it as an ‘eye’ and interpret it as being seen, which is their greatest fear. It may take a few minutes for the skunk to come to its senses and leave the trap. Keep in mind that deterring and/or relocating skunks is the most humane way to get rid of skunks. Cleaning out these potential areas is the best thing you can do to ensure the shy skunk doesn’t come anywhere near your home to set up his or her home. 5. Hence follow the tips on how to get rid of skunks eating grubs as the best skunk repellent. Poor pets! Choosing your trap. WE SHIP TO: UNITED STATES | CANADA | EUROPE. If the skunk starts to stomp its front or back feet or make hissing noises, it’s signaling that it’s aggravated or scared. Soak old rags in ammonia and place them under your deck or porch to keep skunks from coming in. Trapping is one option available to you to get rid of the skunks on your property. Most wild skunks will find their way onto your property when the weather starts to get cooler. For each add about twenty-five drops of total essential oil to a 1oz. In the morning, check to see if the leaves have been moved. What will keep skunks away from my house? Traps designed for raccoons, feral cats, and other wild animals also work well for skunks. When used and reapplied after a few days, this spray will help you to get rid of skunks. 6 – Setting a Trap If you have old cars, tractors, or any junk lying around, get rid of it as soon as possible. It can be difficult to get rid of the smell but it is possible. In most cases but not all, it is effective to use these skunk deterrent methods in combo with one another. This will dramatically reduce the skunk appeal of your property while also keeping the insect load light on your property as they love the sweet treats too. Do your best to remain calm and give it as much space as possible. If you can find out where skunks are living in your backyard, you’ve already solved half the problem. I'm going to start with using a cage to see if that helps catch him. This will need to be reapplied weekly. On average, a fence of about 18″ or so. A well-known example is pepper spray, which can be sprayed on trees, around exterior walls and anywhere else you see skunks lingering. This product is not effective for deterring squirrels, fox, or coyotes and may actually be attractive to them. 100% Eco-Friendly product and 100% Guaranteed. Bait it with cat food. Having to ride around town with musky skunk smell in your car will be awful! Remove nuts, berries, and other natural food sources. Moreover, mothballs and their ingredient Naphthalene are carcinogenic, meaning they’re highly toxic to you, other humans and animals, and shouldn’t be thrown around the environment. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Thanks. Whether it be providing counsel, content, or hands-on support; my goal remains to add value to the lives of the people I serve. Just soak old rags or cotton balls in ammonia and place these soaked clothes near their den. If they don’t find it on the surface, they will dig and dig little holes in the topsoil to find their food. However, when that warm, safe place is under or inside your house, you have a serious problem on your hands. Filling them in is an effective defense for your home and property. I did not know what to do. Here are the Best Ways to get rid of Skunks, Questions to answer before you buy or set up a trap for small animals. If any animal is euthanized, be familiar with the laws in your county. You can use charcoal to absorb the smells in your car by placing a few blocks in a cup, setting it on the floorboard, and leaving it there for a few weeks. One method is to soak your dog in a solution of one cup vanilla extract per gallon of … We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Be sure to keep it out of reach of children and pets. ", "The three methods to get rid of skunks helped. You could also install a motion sensor that gets tripped when a skunk or another creature comes close. These can be used individually or in a blend. % of people told us that this article helped them. The best thing, "This information on the habits of skunks & how best to get rid of them was easy to access & understand. Skunks do not get into houses often, but it can happen. Fox and dog urine deters skunks since both animals are skunks' natural predators. If you have trees that produce nuts, berries, crabapples, or other fruits, clean them up by raking your yard as often as necessary. It started with them trying to nest under the shop and I shot one underneath the shop without removing the carcass. Professional wildlife control service providers can adequately get the job done. How To Get Rid of Skunks In Your Yard Getting rid of skunks in your yard breaks down into fairly easy steps. have walked the perimeter and can't find out where he's at, unless he is under my house. For example, using the Urine with the Noise or Light solutions is usually effective and very inexpensive. How to Get Rid of Skunks. For example, using the Urine with the Noise or Light solutions is usually effective and very inexpensive. While skunks do have a sensitive sense of smell, these methods are not very effective. Always a good idea to keep garbage cans tightly sealed with lids to protect from not only skunk entry but other small animals as well. Thanks! As a bonus, the flashing red light can fool criminals into thinking your property has a security system. ", "Yes! Citrus peels have natural repellent qualities. The house and yard are completely fenced in with chain link fencing. They do prefer to burrow so only in extraordinary circumstances will they go over a fence but it has been done. Learn how to make your property less enticing to skunks who need a home and get rid of skunks that have already moved in. That raunchy smell coming from your room for the last 6 months (yes it can stain the air for nearly 6 long months), is probably from a skunk. Skunks can be easily transported using this trap and it’s great for use on the farm, around the yard, in the garden, and under the porch or shed. Start Slowly. Over half of my life has been dedicated to providing service to people with a premium placed on excellence. Are you prepared to kill the skunk if needed? This should have your car smelling as good as new in a few weeks. Clean out the debris and junk from your property. Ame is the founder and director of … Mothballs are meant to repel moths. Skunk smell in a car can last for weeks and nobody wants to roll around with that pungent smell coming from the air vents or interior of their car all day, every day. If you have any questions regarding pest control, leave them below. Skunks are notorious mammals known for their strong, unpleasant smell. Trap Shack Co. Red Fox Urine is a natural, non-lethal deterrent for small night animals. You will need to soak the clothes for several hours. Use lemon peels; Use lime peels; Lemon or lime juice; Citrus essential oils; Make your own citrus spray; Does Irish Spring soap keep skunks away? The trick is to pinpoint exactly what's attracting them to your property, as well as which deterrents and repellents are most effective for your situation. Keep in mind that the traps should be on a level surface for the best effect. ", https://www.livescience.com/55151-skunks.html, https://cabinlife.com/articles/article/animal-proof-your-trash, http://www.cherryhill-nj.com/DocumentCenter/View/1854/Tips-to-deter-skunks-nuisance-wildlife-from-your-property?bidId=, https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/animals-and-wildlife/making-a-stink-how-to-keep-skunks-out-of-your-garden, https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-skunks, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. They eat berries and insects which they will easily find all over the ground of your property. ", you will still reap benefits from your purchase. You will want to toss out the vinegar daily but it works! Hello, My name is Blane and I’m a life-long resident of Southeastern Louisiana. Usually, traps are cages and have a lifting door with a lock to hold it up until the skunk enters and then falls quickly once it comes into the trap. Protect your home, field, and livestock from night animals by using Nighttime Solar Lights. Using Red Fox urine as a cover scent to deter skunks is very effective. Place citrus peels around the edges of your yard, or spray with bad-smelling chemicals, like pepper spray or dog urine. Do you know how often to check a skunk trap you’ve set? ", "A skunk moved in under a shed under an apple tree. I will try to use suggestions. After the skunk is inside, put a lid on the garbage can. Next, get a rag and place one end of it into the contents of the plastic bottle. Have it against something strong, such as a wall, so that the skunk cannot tip it over. If not, then the skunks have moved on and it is safe to fill the abandoned burrows with gravel. There are many traps on the market to choose from and that will be your first task to do. Once you catch it, wear heavy clothes and gloves and take the skunk to the woods to release it, keeping your face away from the trap’s door as much as possible. Skunks are harmless creatures, but it is best not to get too close to them. Thanks! Skunk removal is always best left to the professionals, but if you’re going to try it, make sure you’re armed with the proper knowledge. The lights are safe, environmentally friendly, and weatherproof in most cases. Skunks can climb and are pretty good at it. They are also the carrier of diseases like rabies and others. If you have access to a hose, spray some water near the skunk until it runs away. They’re weaned at two months, and by the fall, they establish their own den. Do not approach the skunk, and back away slowly if it seems aggressive. Ame lives off-the-grid on her beautiful farm in Falmouth, Kentucky. You'll find they're not so cute as they go after your chickens or knock over your trash cans. Since the 4th of July, I've seen a skunk in my back yard several times. If you are unlucky enough to smell their very distinct musk, either in your home, on your animals or in your yard, then you probably have a skunk. Bait the skunk trap with peanut butter, canned sardines, cat food, or another strong-smelling food. If you know where they’re nesting, you can loosely fill the entrance to their burrow with leaves or newspaper. The trigger rod is on the outside of the product so the animal can’t damage it while inside. In some situations, citrus peel also does a fantastic job of getting rid of skunks. How to get rid of skunks with ammonia; Use pepper; Motion-activated sprinklers; Does vinegar keep skunks away? Havahart 1045 Large 1-Door Humane Animal Trap is the humane way to trap and rehome. The Critter Ridder® Motion-Activated Animal Repellent & Sprinkler is an effective skunk repellent because it uses fear to condition the animal to stay away. Related Article: 12 Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders. They are automatic and do not run on a motion sensor, which means they will keep constant guard of your property all night. However, even with this reluctant ability, skunks cannot climb over very high fences. This is a rental. Thank you for the information. It would be fairly difficult to sit around for 2 to 3 weeks waiting for the odor to go away, so it’s in everyone’s best interests to try to remove it as quickly as possible! Skunk Facts. Thanks! When you releasing the skunk in the woods, wear heavy clothes and gloves, and make sure your face is positioned well away from the door where the skunk will exit the trap. Ammonia is a strong skunk repellent used to keep them away. While this probably isn’t the most glamorous method to use, it is very effective when coupled with other methods. No matter how much you love animals, you would never like to see those small furry black and white striped mammals around or within your house. Hopefully some of these fixes will help! Use it as a ramp to allow the skunk to get from the ground to inside the garbage can. Here's some tips for getting rid of it. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. ", are not that cute! Yes, skunks do like to eat grubs, as well as earthworms and insects. ", "This was very good and helpful information! Thanks. How do you protect pets? Also, you can leave the predators of skunks in your yards. The last and most important part of this process is installing a one-way door on the most accessible corner of the structure. If you find little holes around your yard and especially under fences or near entryways to your basements, porches or sheds, you probably have skunks. How does a person get rid of a skunk or skunks that live under a house that is elevated, i.e., siding is around the house and several inches above the ground. How-to advice http://www.animalrepellent.org/skunks Are you searching for ideas on how to get rid of skunks in your yard and around your home? If possible, avoid trapping skunks during their breeding season in the spring and summer. Skunks will spray in order to defend themselves if they get startled or hurt. Mix together and wash. To treat your home, Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), Cypress (Cupressus semervirens), Pine (Pinus sylvestris), and Peppermint are recommended. You should get rid of wood, debris piles, rocks, or any other cover that would attract foraging skunks and encourage them to make a home within your property. These two methods used together should have your garage smelling as it usually does in no time. If you have chicken coops, backyard gardens or farms, vineyards, or any other sources for food, they have come to feed. Ammonia is a natural skunk repellent. They sure did have fun chasing that skunk around the yard though. Now, every morning, I go to my washroom area and I smell skunk. As they are sensitive to noise, consider running a radio during the night to keep them away. Another great sign you have skunks is, of course, the terrible scent of their spray leaves in your yard, or your home, your furniture, your clothes, etc. Use 15 drops of each essential oil added to a gentle shampoo. You’ll know that they’ve left if you see the paper shift, and, when that happens, go ahead and refill it. The edges are smoothed on the inside to add to the animal’s safety. Who hasn’t built fence upon fence trying to get this pesky critter out of their yard? For the sake of the skunk, the relocation area should have a plentiful source of food, water and shelter. It’s not likely to rust or corrode and comes fully assembled and ready to use. Run away quickly before it sprays you. Unlike raccoons, skunks can take a hint. Needless to say, if you have had an encounter with a skunk in your home, you will do as much as Skunks have one of the most irritating defense systems: their awful smell. Not my first preference but I found little choice that made any sense. Still, one thing to note, just because they are poor climbers does NOT mean they cannot dig. So, if you put up 6-foot fences around your property you are probably safe from catching any skunk climbing over your fence. You may end up trapping an adult female skunk who has a den full of baby skunks who will then starve to death. Skunks can not dig more than 12 inches down; so to successfully secure an area you need to dig down a foot, then out a foot, placing the wiring securely against the structure. Skunks, as night animals, are extremely sensitive to light. I ended up setting up perimeter lighting motion-activated, strapping a skinny flashlight to my 22, setting up a live trap, and doing what I had to do. Use baking soda or vinegar and water to remove the skunk odor from your clothes. They are a delicacy for skunks. There are a few ways to make your property a little less desirable and send those furry little stinkers off in search of another home and food source. ", "Has given me methods to keep skunks out of my yard. Maybe the light will work. Not only does this product manage skunks but it is useful in preventing other pests, such as coyotes, foxes, wolves, deer, cats, and cougars. Each of these methods is explained in greater detail in the wikiHow. Usually, a litter consists of four to six skunk pups. After fifteen minutes have passed, spray the concrete with water to get rid of the chemical mix. You should not have to worry about the skunk spraying you unless it feels threatened. Also, if it rains, it will need to be distributed again. This is primarily because most mother skunks will endure almost any control method while caring for their kits. If possible, store your trash bins in a shed or in your garage at night, so their smell doesn't attract skunks. If you approach it from the front or the back you risk startling it and having it spray. Will peppermint oil keep skunks away? ", "Use of deterrents, product's to kill larvae, grubs flees and other lawn insects. That one appeared to be one of the kits from a recent litter and that’s where the mother had nested. If you bury the fence approximately 6-8 inches and shaping into an outward-facing L at the base, a leg extending 8-10 inches back. This provides an impenetrable barrier around the entire perimeter of the deck or shed. Pest Control Gurus is a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. Skunks also love lazy gardeners – fallen fruits, nuts, or veggies are like chum in the water. No more skunks! How to Get Rid of Mice for Good: Surefire Tactics to Remove Those Rascally Rodents ; Skunks can carry rabies, so if you do see one, be aware of the warning signs. Related Article: 12 Best Ways To Get Rid of Raccoons. Home » Pest Guides » How to Get Rid of Skunks (5 Best Ways). To create this article, 29 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Thanks for all the info, I will take it one step at a time. The solar light devices should be placed at eye level with the animal to be most effective. Once you have caught and rehomed your skunk, you likely have to return home and decide how to take care of your home, clothes, pets, and car. When installing your fences, it will be necessary to bury a part of the fence underground to avoid the skunk digging under your newly installed fence for entry to your home or property. She has been gardening organically for over 30 years and has grown vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, and ornamentals. These can be made into a blend and added with water to spritz and spray around the house. Facebook Twitter Email Telegram. Spray it around the perimeter of your yard. Once you’ve completed that, mix bleach with water and apply in the same way, rinsing once complete. To learn more about how to deter skunks with sprinklers or lights, keep reading! I’ve been working as Pest Control Technician and Inspector at Advantage Services in Louisiana for over 1.5 years now. Pepper sprays, also sold to repel squirrels and other wild creatures, are effective skunk repellents. It’s not wise to transport a trapped skunk inside your car. All of these precautions will help reduce the likelihood of skunks and other problem animals like snakes and deer, from coming to your house. It’s not likely they will go to this length to get under your fence. Well, the answer is Yes. It senses the heat and motion of nuisance animals. Skunks are attracted to easy food sources. You will first see the skunks leave or better yet, pass by your property altogether. Skunks love to burrow under woodpiles, leaves, junk piles, or old logs. Keep pet food, animal feed, and bird seed in chew-proof containers and safely housed at night. With a solar-powered battery, this product will naturally charge during the day so it will be able to run all through the night. The owner of this website does not guarantee offers on this site and all offers should be viewed as recommendations only. The program pays this website advertising fees for products purchased after users click the links to Amazon. Here are some frequently asked questions about how to get rid of that terrible smell! Just pour either solution over your dog, massage it in, let it sit for as long as possible, then rinse. If you spot a skunk digging up your lawn, it’s probably looking for grubs to eat. Set it near the skunk's den or its route of access to your property. You can also get a wildlife professional to "skunk-proof" your house. Store the materials in a shed or bin to prevent skunks from moving in. To clean your pets, you will need to make a hydrogen peroxide concoction. The product is waterproof and deters light nocturnal animals, including skunks. Disguise the trap with leaves, sticks, any nearby vegetation to camouflage obvious tampering. The first step in ridding your home of the foul stench of skunk spray is to open all the windows and doors immediately. It worked, the skunk left. Release by tying (or clamping) a twenty foot or longer cord to the lid handle. Musk is the word used to describe the very pungent scent that skunks release if they feel threatened or injured. In most cases but not all, it is effective to use these skunk deterrent methods in combo with one another. If you have a friend with a pick-up truck to transport the skunk, that is your best bet. If you are planning to rid your property of skunks, it’s best to do so before breeding season starts in the Spring. Other vegetation, like piles of grass clippings, should also be discarded, since it may contain seeds or other sources of food for skunks. Using 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide, ¾ cup of baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of dish detergent mixed in a large bowl, you should be able to give your pets a thorough washing that will have them skunk smell free in no time at all. That can be scavenged insects, fruit, compost, nuts, seeds, etc. Skunks are hard to see at night but if you check during the day there are tell-tale signs that a skunk has been lurking around your home attempting to make it his or her home. In addition, distributing predator urine (fox urine in this case) around the yard and its parameters is useful in deterring skunks, and other night animals. Nighttime Solar Powered Skunk and Animal Repeller by Pest Soldier comes as a 2pk. How to get rid of skunks? When you do wash them, use a very hot water setting and detergent to help break down the oils. Try using motion-sensor lights that pop on whenever there is movement; skunks won’t like the sudden lighting at night. You can also spray pepper deterrents around your house to discourage the skunk; once it gets the peppery substance on its feet, it’ll be most unhappy and won’t want to stick around. They make these holes digging around for insects and berries to eat as well as to find a place to make home or burrow. Having a skunk around always puts your pets and your property at risk of smelling, but you can get rid of skunks humanely and easily. This way you can avoid the skunk spraying in your car. I'm a little nervous to block up the hole, because what if the, "I've got a skunk living under my shed, most likely babies also. If you find poop droppings about 2 inches long with insect parts in it, you probably have a skunk. Since then they’ve been following a trail to my house and you know the rest of the story. However, they do eat crop-destroying grubs such as cutworm larvae and hornworm larvae, and even small creatures like mice and rabbit kits, so they are beneficial when in balance. There are several methods of treating a dog or cat that has been sprayed. How do I keep from being sprayed by a trapped skunk when trying to move him? The skunk dug under the fence and was able to enter the yard. If you have entirely no clue of how to remove skunks from under your house or if you are terrified of skunks, you should hire professionals to do it on your behalf. Skunks dig small holes in the lawn and eat low garden crops; they destroy landscape when they dig under grass to search for worms and insects to eat. You see where I’m going with this. The skunk will not be able to get out of the garbage can. Fill abandoned burrows with gravel and use lids for the garbage cans. They typically live in burrows they’ve dug underneath your porch, shed, or home. If they spray their stink indoors, here is what you need to do. Step 1: Eliminate Attractants, as mentioned above The skunk will scatter on instinct under these circumstances, as it believes it must, in order to survive. There are 2 dogs on the property that have already been sprayed after living there only 2 weeks. ", "Gave me some easy, inexpensive things to try. Learn to use Zoom in this beginner-friendly course. ", "I used bags of moth balls. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Now I do. Use 1quart hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda, and 1tsp of dish liquid in a bowl. They eat insects, berries, and vegetables. Magic! Most of the time, skunks leave traps calmly, but you should take precautions just in case you get sprayed. This will ensure that no … To get rid of skunks, fill a spring-loaded skunk trap with bait like peanut butter and set it near the skunk’s den. And while over the years, mothballs have been touted as a miracle repellent for every pest animal imaginable, including skunks, they don’t do much to deter skunks for long, certainly not in the quantities you could safely handle. Any type of debris is a potential shelter for skunks. After it’s covered, it is safe to lift the cage and put it in the back of the vehicle you will use to transport. In fact, since they are new to their ‘powers’ they will spray for seemingly no reason at all at first. Smelling like a skunk is truly the worst! Also remove or block off anything that the skunk might view as a good spot to set up house, like piles of wood, large bushes or under the deck or patio. Below are some tips that will help you learn how to get rid of a skunk. Once detected, the repellent sprays a burst of water while creating a “ticking” sound—startling the animal and shooing it away. I now think we can get rid of them with out risking being sprayed. Just be careful – it’s more dangerous than you think. How do you protect pets? By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. This solution is good for clothing too if you have any leftover from washing the cat or dog. "I have had a skunk in my yard for several months. ", "The garbage can trap is an excellent idea, as it enables the release with minimal risk of getting sprayed. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. You risk getting a dose of their noxious spray, or worse, a bite from a skunk carrying rabies. It’s also possible to use chlorine bleach and water to wash the floors. Different, simple little things that one could try. Ammonia and old rags, cool, I have those. To use this, get some ammonia and pour out a portion into a plastic bottle. Approved. By using our site, you agree to our. 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