Although skunks are generally harmless animals, it is best not to be around them. You may be at risk of getting the noxious spray, or worse, getting a bite from a skunk carrying the rabies virus. Skunks are omnivores that live off human waste, so they often live in yards or under wooden floors or decks. Learn how to make your property less attractive to skunks that need a place to live, and get rid of skunks that already live there.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Removing Skunk Food Sources and Shelters
Step 1. Get rid of nuts, berries, and other natural food sources
Skunks are all eaters, so they will eat all the nutritious food they can find. If you have trees that produce nuts, berries, crabapple, or other fruits, clean them by sweeping your lawn as often as possible.
- Other vegetation, such as piles of grass clippings should also be removed, as they may contain grain or other food sources for skunks.
- If you have a garden, pick ripe fruits and vegetables as quickly as possible to prevent hungry skunks from feasting on them.
- Use a tray under your pet's bird feeder to protect most of the grain, and clean up any fallen grain.
Step 2. Close your trash can
Like raccoons and other wild animals, skunks can survive on trash alone. So it's important to keep your trash can properly closed. Sometimes the usual trash can can't close tightly. To defend against these scavengers, you can buy a self-locking trash can for a fairly low price at a local home improvement store.
- If possible, store your trash can in your shed or garage at night, so the smell doesn't attract skunks.
- Use a closed compostable container, as skunks like to eat rotten fruit, and leftover vegetable scraps, eggshells, and other materials you might have placed in the compost bin.
Step 3. Close places that can be used as hiding places
Skunks like to make houses under floors (decks), verandas, and other hidden places. Seal off any spaces that might attract skunks by using rocks, fences, or plywood.
- Piles of logs, and piles of planks, or building materials can serve as shelter for skunks. Store these materials in a warehouse or storage area to prevent skunks from entering and staying there.
- Dense bushes are also good habitation for skunks. If you see a skunk roaming around in thick bushes or grass, you may need to trim the branches so that they are not attractive enough to the skunk.
Part 2 of 3: Utilizing Skunk Deterrent
Step 1. Install lights in your yard
Skunks are nocturnal animals, and they do not like bright light. If you light up your lawn at night, it will be much less attractive to skunks. However, you run the risk of attracting bright light-loving insects, such as crickets and moths.
- Since these lights will be on all night long, consider using solar lighting or energy-saving lamps to avoid huge electricity bills.
- You can also attach a motion sensor that activates when a skunk or other creature approaches. In this case, the skunk must enter your property so that the lights come on and serve to deter skunks.
Step 2. Use a chemical that repels skunks
There are a few different chemicals that are known to be unpleasant to skunks. If you place them at the edges of your yard, and in areas you suspect skunks may be wandering around, skunks will begin to avoid those areas. Chemical repellents should be reused every few days, especially after heavy rains.
- Dog and fox urine repel skunks, as foxes and dogs are natural predators of skunks. If you can figure out how to collect dog pee, it's fine to use it. You can also buy products that contain fox or dog urine at hardware and building materials stores. Spray around the perimeter of your yard.
- Pepper spray, which is sold to repel squirrels and other wild animals, is an effective skunk repellent as well. Spray on trees and other areas where you've seen skunks.
- Ammonia also discourages skunks. Soak an old cloth in ammonia and place it under your deck or veranda to keep skunks out.
- Orange peel has natural repellent properties. Spread orange or lemon peels around your property and under your deck or foyer.
Step 3. Install a motion sensor activated sprinkler
It will automatically turn on when animals roam too close, and it's a safe and natural way to keep skunks away from your property. Place it close enough to where you suspect the skunk will live.
Part 3 of 3: Removing Skunks from Your Property
Step 1. Set up the trap
The spring skunk trap lures the skunk inside with a bait, then close the door behind it so the skunk can't escape. Then remove the skunk from your property and release it in a forest or other open area.
- Set the skunk trap for bait from peanut butter, canned sardines, cat food, or other strong-smelling food. Place it near a skunk nest or driveway into your property.
- Traps designed for raccoons, feral cats, and other wild animals are also effective at catching skunks.
- When you release a skunk in the woods, wear thick clothing and gloves and keep your face away from the trap door where the skunk will escape. Most of the time, the skunk will slowly leave the trap, but you should take precautions and anticipate being exposed to the spray.
Step 2. Prepare the trash can and the path to the trap (ramp trap)
Look for a 100 liter metal trash can and a long wooden stick.
- Before it gets dark, position the trash can upright where you want to trap the skunk. Lean it against something strong, such as a wall so the skunk can't roll it over. Feed the cat food.
- Take a long, strong piece of wood (it should be thick and heavy enough to hold the skunk, maybe 2 x 4). Use it as a path for the skunk to travel from the ground to the trash can.
- The skunk will not be able to get out of the trash and will not spray in a closed container.
- Once the skunk is inside, put the lid on the trash can. Put it in your truck or car, and take it to a wooded area. Remove it by tying (or clamping) a rope of about a meter or more in length to the handle of the cover. This will allow you to remove the lid on the trash can and let the skunk return to nature without risking being sprayed.
Step 3. Call the animal control officer
If you choose to have the skunk handled by an expert, have your local animal control center send someone to handle the skunk removal issue. The officer has the equipment and knowledge to trap and release skunks.
Tips
- When releasing a trapped skunk, be patient. It may take a few minutes for the skunk to begin to notice and leave the trap.
- Check local regulations before trapping and relocating skunks. This practice may not be permitted in your area.
- If possible, avoid trapping skunks during their breeding season in the spring and summer. You may be trapping adult female skunks that have multiple offspring who will then die of starvation.
