If you do have a skunk problem in your yard, here are some of the ways to peacefully tackle it.
Seeing (or smelling) a skunk in your yard can be concerning, since they are known for roaming around neighborhoods and causing rather unpleasant smells. While skunks are known for their smell, they actually avoid confrontation whenever possible. If you do have a skunk problem in your yard, here are some of the ways to peacefully tackle it.
If You Spot a Skunk
If you spot a skunk, don’t panic or run away. They are typically well-behaved and non-confrontational. How can you tell if a skunk is feeling threatened? They give you plenty of warnings! Skunks will stamp their front feet and raise their tails before spraying. Next, they will hiss and make short forward charges in your direction. If any skunk is showing any of these warning signs in front of you, back away slowly and quietly. The fear of being sprayed is not worth harming otherwise-innocent skunks living underneath your deck or porch-just pay attention.
Keeping Your Yard Skunk-Free
If you don’t have skunks in your yard and want to make sure that you keep them out, take these simple steps to deter skunks:
- Keep garbage and pet food inside or secured
- Block off any convenient sites for skunks to make a den, like wood piles, sheds with space underneath, decks and porches, and any crawl spaces
- Don’t overwater your lawn, as this can lead to insects gathering close to the surface and skunks gathering to grab them up
- If a skunk does enter an area of your home, like the garage, leave the door open overnight so that when they wake (they’re nocturnal) they can see themselves out
- Even if you are worried about being sprayed by a skunk, do not use lethal or dangerous methods to harm them. They will still spray you and you will cause a senseless death. If you are in need of some extra professional help, give the professionals at Shumaker’s Animal Control a call.
Natural Ways to Keep Your Property Free of Skunks
Natural Ways to Keep Your Property Free of Skunks
Skunks can become unwelcome visitors due to their odor and digging habits. Employing natural methods to keep them away ensures your property remains safe and environmentally friendly.
Eliminate Food Sources
Skunks are scavengers, often attracted to easily accessible food.
- Secure Trash Bins: Use lids that lock or are heavy enough to prevent tipping.
- Remove Pet Food: Feed pets indoors or remove food dishes after mealtime.
- Clean Up Fruit: Pick up fallen fruit from trees regularly to avoid attracting skunks.
Seal Entry Points
Prevent skunks from creating dens on your property by blocking access to potential hiding spots.
- Fill Holes: Cover existing burrows with soil and compact the area.
- Close Gaps: Use mesh or hardware cloth to seal spaces under decks, porches, and sheds.
- Maintain Fencing: Repair any broken sections and ensure fences are buried at least 6 inches deep to prevent digging.
Use Natural Deterrents
Skunks are sensitive to certain scents and textures that can make your yard less appealing.
- Apply Citrus Peels: Scatter orange or lemon peels around your property to repel skunks.
- Sprinkle Cayenne Pepper: A light dusting near problem areas can discourage skunks without harming them.
- Install Motion-Activated Lights: Bright lights startle nocturnal skunks and may encourage them to leave.
Maintain Your Yard
A well-maintained yard minimizes hiding places and reduces skunk activity.
- Mow Grass Regularly: Keep grass short to limit coverage for skunks.
- Remove Wood Piles: Store firewood at least 18 inches off the ground.
- Trim Shrubs: Ensure they are not overgrown or touching the ground.
By consistently applying these methods, you can naturally keep skunks away from your property. And if you’re still having issues, call in professional, humane wildlife removal experts like Shumaker’s Animal Control.
Have an Animal Outside of Your Home That Shouldn’t Be There? Give Us a Call!
Shumaker’s Animal Control has over 25 years of experience in the animal and pest control field. Whatever your problem, we can help remedy the situation and restore your home (or yard) back to normal. Give us a call at (443) 854-8072 or contact us online today to see how we can help you! For more information on household and neighborhood pests and how to protect your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.
