How to Get Rid of Skunks - Kitchen Cabinets

Skunks are well known for their distinctive black and white fur and terrible smelling spray. While they play an important role in the ecosystem, their presence near homes is rarely welcome as their musky odor can be quite offensive and overpowering. If skunks have moved into your yard or somewhere on your property, you’ll likely want to humanely drive them away. Here’s an in-depth look at how to get rid of skunks.

Understanding Skunk Behavior

Before learning how to get rid of skunks, it helps to understand their habits and behavior patterns. This knowledge can help you implement more effective skunk deterrents. Here are some key facts about skunk behavior:

Nocturnal – Skunks are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night and sleep during the day. Peak activity times are often early evening, late night, and early morning.
Solitary – Skunks are solitary animals and do not form packs or social groups. They only interact to mate or a mother with kits.
Territorial – Skunks are quite territorial, with each staking out its own area. A skunk’s territory is usually around 1-2 square miles for males and a bit smaller for females.
Omnivorous – Skunks are omnivores and eat a varied diet of insects, small mammals, eggs, berries, roots, and human garbage. This is why they are attracted to trash cans and compost piles.
Diggers – Skunks will dig for food and to access sheltered dens. Their powerful front paws allow them to dig quite efficiently.
Defensive – When threatened, skunks are infamous for spraying a strong musk from glands near the base of their tail. This unpleasant smelling liquid can spray 10-15 feet.

Understanding typical skunk habits can help you detect high activity areas and likely entry points on your property. This allows you to focus repellents and deterrents where they will be most effective.

Signs of Skunk Activity

Skunks are secretive creatures, but they still leave behind signs of their presence. Be on the lookout for these clues that skunks may be living on or passing through your property:

Odors – The telltale skunk smell is an obvious giveaway. You may catch whiffs early evening or at dawn when they are most active.
Prints – Look for small five-toed tracks with claws visible. The hind tracks are slightly smaller than the front. Prints may be found along fence lines, in soft soil, or near dens.
Feces – Skunk droppings are tube-shaped, 1⁄2 inch in diameter, and usually contain undigested insect parts and berry seeds. They are often found in latrine areas.
Digging – Small conical holes around foundations or under porches may be from skunks accessing den areas. Digging near lawn edges often indicates grubs or other food sources.
Garbage disturbed – Skunks are attracted to human food waste, so knocked over trash cans or garbage strewn about is a clear sign.
Woodpiles moved – Skunks seek shelter and build dens under woodpiles, sheds, and elevated porches. Moved wood debris can indicate new excavations.

Keep an eye out for these signs so you can take action before skunks become established on your property. The sooner you implement deterrents, the better.

How to Find Skunk Dens on Your Property

Skunks create dens to sleep, rest, and birth young. These dens are often located under elevated structures like porches, in wood or brush piles, or dug into the ground. Identifyingpossible skunk dens can help you target exclusion and removal strategies. Here’s how to find their dens:

Inspect under porches and sheds. Look for excavated holes or soil pushed out to create room.
Check areas where boards, logs, or rock piles lay on the ground. These often have space underneath suitable for skunk dens.
Look along foundations for fresh digging. Skunks will dig burrows here for shelter and raising young.
Follow fencelines or brushy areas and look for burrows with 4-6 inch openings.
Follow skunk tracks to areas they seem to repeatedly return to. Potential food sources or den access holes are likely there.
Monitor potential sites at dawn and dusk when skunks emerge. Active dens will show signs.
Do not reach into potential dens. Use a flashlight, mirror, or trail camera to inspect to avoid being sprayed.

Locating dens allows you to seal entrance points or install one-way exclusion doors so skunks can exit but not re-enter. This is key to driving them away long-term.

Natural Skunk Deterrents

Before resorting to more intensive skunk removal methods, try some natural deterrents. Here are some effective options:

Lighting

Since skunks are nocturnal, increased lighting around your home at night can help deter them. Illuminate potential denning spots and areas where activity has been noticed. Motion-activated security lights are ideal.

Sprinklers

Intermittent water spray from a sprinkler or hose nozzle is unpleasant surprise to skunks in your yard. Set sprinklers on a sporadic timer to help convince skunks to leave.

Noise

Skunks dislike loud noises and vibrations. Place portable radios tuned to talk radio near dens or suspected entry points. Toggle the volume occasionally for unpredictability.

Fencing

Install wildlife fencing around any vulnerable compost piles or gardens. Secure the bottom tight to the ground so skunks can’t squeeze underneath.

Pet Waste Removal

Promptly remove cat and dog waste from the yard. The strong scent attracts skunks looking for food. Use sealed trash cans for waste disposal.

Mothballs

The strong fragrance of mothballs makes areas unpleasant for skunks. Place open boxes around dens or potential access points. Replenish after rainfall.

Fox or Coyote Urine

Apply predator urines around the perimeter of yards or gardens. The scent mimics predators and can intimidate skunks away. Reapply every few days.

Hot Pepper Spray

A homemade spray of cayenne pepper, garlic, and water can effectively irritate skunks and keep them away from treated areas. Reapply after heavy rains.

These natural options often work well at initial stages of light skunk activity. Use multiples options together to increase effectiveness. Be patient, as it can take 1-2 weeks to see results.

Skunk Repellents and Commercial Products

For more stubborn skunk problems, there are a variety of commercial repellent sprays and granules:

Granular Repellents

Granular products like Shake-Away, Critter Ridder and Repellex contain sulfur, pepper, and other irritants. Sprinkle around dens and high traffic zones. Reapply every 1-2 weeks.

Liquid Fragrances

Repel and other brands make scented sprays that mimic predator scents. The musty, musky odor drives skunks away. Apply around dens and perimeter areas.

Ultrasonic Devices

Battery powered units emit high-frequency sound waves that bother skunks without being audible to humans. Effective range is 25-50 feet.

Motion-activated Sprinklers

These sprinklers use an infrared sensor to detect movement and then spray water. Position them to cover suspected skunk trails and hangouts.

Lighting Devices

Specialized lighting products like the Night Guard combine strobing lights, motion activation, and peppermint scent to bother skunks at night.

Using 2-3 different commercial repellents together often produces better results. Maintain strict application schedules for maximum effect.

How to Get Rid of Skunks from Dens

Removing skunks from an occupied den requires caution to avoid being sprayed. Here are some options:

Seal Entry Points

If a den is located under a porch or shed, seal all entry points after confirming skunks have exited at night. Use wire mesh, boards, rocks, or other barriers to completely close holes.

Install One-Way Doors

One-way swing doors allow skunks to leave dens but not re-enter. To work properly, all other potential exits must be sealed.

Use a Harassment Strategy

Place bright lights, radios, and mothballs near the occupied den. The disturbance encourages skunks to leave on their own over a day or two. Then permanently seal the den.

Release a Dog

Allowing your dog to cautiously sniff and “bark” at the den may harass skunks into leaving after a few attempts. Thoroughly clean dogs sprayed in the process.

Contact a Professional

For problem dens, contacting a pest control or wildlife management professional is safest. They have experience removing skunks while avoiding sprays.

Patience is needed when dealing with an occupied den. Avoid damage to the den site so skunks can exit easily when eviction efforts begin.

How to Keep Skunks Away from Your House

Here are some tips to make your home surroundings less appealing to skunks seeking shelter:

Seal any foundation gaps or holes with wire mesh or concrete. Make crawl spaces inaccessible.
Install tunnels or fencing around elevated porches and sheds to prevent access. Make sure to bury fencing 6-12 inches.
Keep garage and shed doors closed, especially at night. Install lightweight doors that close automatically.
Trim back shrubbery and vegetation around the foundation. This eliminates hiding spots.
Stack firewood on pallets and keep it away from buildings. Eliminate easy den access.
Use metal trash cans with tight fitting lids. Promptly bring cans to the curb on pickup days.
Feed pets indoors whenever possible. Bring in uneaten portions and bowls overnight.
Clean up fallen fruit around trees and keep compost enclosed. Don’t attract skunks seeking food.
Install motion sensor lighting on sheds, garages, and alley access points.
Keep yard waste picked up and grass areas neat. Skunks are drawn to clutter and tall grass.
Use fencing to enclose vegetable gardens and compost piles. Bury fencing at least 6 inches.
Fill in any low spots or depressions near foundations that could turn to den sites.

Alert homeowners can proactively make their yard less hospitable for skunk habitation or feeding. Making skunk access difficult goes a long way in driving them away.

How to Keep Skunks Out of Your Yard

Even if skunks can’t establish dens directly around your house, they may still be attracted to food sources in the yard. Here are tips for making your landscape less appealing:

Remove Food Sources

Feed pets indoors or bring in dishes after meals.
Use closed compost tumblers and secure lids on open bins.
Pick up fallen fruit around trees.
Remove vegetable garden waste promptly.
Keep trash cans in garages or secure sheds.

Block Access Points

Seal gaps under fences, porches, or sheds.
Install L-shaped fencing around elevated decks and porches.
Attach wire mesh guards to base of gates, sheds, or play sets.

Use Repellents

Apply commercial granular or liquid repellents along the perimeter and potential dig spots.
Use ultrasonic devices to cover large areas and deter access.
Set up motion-activated sprinkler deterrents along commonly used routes.

Turn On Lights

Install outdoor security lighting on sheds, play areas, and gardens.
Position roving spotlights to periodically sweep across the yard.

Release Dogs

Allow dogs access to safely patrol and mark the yard in the evening hours if possible. Their scent and presence helps deter skunks.

Keeping food scraps and waste out of reach requires diligence but pays off by encouraging skunks to move on. Perimeter fencing, lights, and sound devices provide additional protection.

What to Do if You are Sprayed by a Skunk

If a skunk sprays you or your pet directly, speed is important in reducing the overall impact of the musky odor. Here is what to do:

Remain Calm

While awful, skunk spray is not harmful. Try to stay composed to keep the skunk from spraying again.

Move Away

Leave the area calmly. Try not to panic or run, which may prompt more spraying.

Avoid Rubbing Eyes

The oil from skunk spray can be very irritating to the eyes. Avoid touching them or rubbing if sprayed near the face.

Remove Sprayed Clothing

Outer clothing likely got the worst of the spray. Remove everything possible and seal in bags to avoid spreading the smell.

Mix Deodorizing Solution

Combine 1 quart hydrogen peroxide, 1⁄4 cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon dish soap in a bucket. Never mix bleach solutions, as dangerous chemical reactions can occur.

Bathe in Solution

Use rubber gloves when applying the deodorizing mixture. Work it thoroughly into hair and skin. Let soak 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Avoid getting solution in eyes, nose, and mouth.

Shampoo Again

Give hair another shampooing with regular shampoo after rinsing the solution. The smell may linger for several shampoo cycles.

Clean or Discard Collar

If spray got on your pet’s collar, either clean thoroughly with deodorizer or throw out the collar. The smell can stubbornly cling to fabrics.

Ventilate Sprayed Rooms

Open windows and turn on fans to air out rooms sprayed by skunks entering under doors. Curtains may need to be cleaned or discarded.

Speed is critical to reducing the lingering presence of that awful skunk spray. Have a deodorizing solution handy in case you ever get sprayed.

How to Get the Smell of Skunk Spray Out of Dogs

When dogs get sprayed directly by a skunk, that awful smell seems to seep into every pore. Here are some tips for removing skunk odor from dog fur:

Mix 1 quart hydrogen peroxide 3%, 1⁄4 cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon liquid soap in a bucket.
Apply the foaming solution outdoors and work thoroughly into your dog’s coat. Avoid the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Allow the solution to soak 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
Use an alkaline shampoo afterwards and lather twice. Rinse thoroughly.
Apply an enzymatic pet odor neutralizer afterwards, like Nature’s Miracle or Out! Skunked.
Feed your dog parsley, tomato juice, or a commercial odor reducing product like Skunk-Off.
Use caution handling dogs recently sprayed, as they can “re-spray” you with residue.
Keep your dog quarantined outside or in one room until the smell dissipates. Odor spreads easily.
Discard dog bedding, collars, leashes, or other items exposed to spray. The smell binds to fabrics.
Repeat bathing daily using the peroxide solution. It may take 2-3 baths to fully remove skunk odor from dogs.
Be patient and understanding with dogs involuntarily skunked. The smell bothers them too.

With persistence and targeted skunk removal solutions for your home, most unwelcome skunk issues can be successfully resolved. Patience and consistency are key, as completely excluding skunks often takes 2-4 weeks. Using multiple control methods together provides the best chance for driving skunks away long-term without harming them.

Skunk Removal Services

For severe skunk infestations, home attempts at removal may fall short. Professional skunk removal services offer in-depth experience with evicting stubborn skunks. Here is what high-quality skunk removal companies typically provide:

Inspection – Thoroughly assess extent of skunk activity on the property and locate dens.
Exclusion – Professionally seal and block all possible entrances to drive skunks out.
Removal – Legally trap and relocate any remaining skunks on site.
Deodorization – Treat sprayed areas with powerful enzymatic cleaners to neutralize odors.
Prevention – Recommend fixes and custom solutions to make a property less welcoming long-term.
Guarantee – Many companies offer warranties should skunk problems persist.

Look for skunk removal technicians licensed by your state’s wildlife agency. They follow protocols for humane trapping and handling of skunks. Beware of amateur trappers who may inadvertently spread rabies.

When skunk issues continue despite diligent home remedy attempts, calling in professional skunk removal services can provide a fast solution. Their expertise and commercial-grade exclusion tools often succeed where DIY options fall short.

How Much Does Professional Skunk Removal Cost?

The price of professional skunk removal varies based on the extent of the infestation, complexity to seal entry points, and extent of cleanup needed. Here are some typical average costs:

Minor skunk exclusion from an outbuilding: $200 – $500
Evicting skunks from under a home: $400 – $800
Removing an established skunk den: $500 – $1000
Emergency spray cleanup and deodorizing: $300 – $600
Monthly skunk control service agreement: $75 – $150 per month

Many companies provide free quotes after inspecting the property. Cost factors include:

Time and labor for exclusion sealing and removal efforts
Difficulty accessing denning spots
Scope of cleanup needed from stray sprays
Types of materials and devices utilized
Emergency late night or