15 Tips on How to Get Rid of Skunks Fast & Humanely (2022)
- 1. Install a motion detection sprinkler
- 2. Install an ultrasonic skunk repellent
- 3. Sprinkle skunk repellent granules around the yard
- 4. Build a (electric) fence around your property
- 5. Install night lights in your yard
- 6. Remove ALL food sources
- 7. Use ammonia or mothballs to repel skunks
- 8. Use flashing night lights to scare ALL wildlife away
How to kill skunks? Is shooting effective?
Frankly speaking shooting a skunk almost always causes a rodent to spray. Therefore it is not recommended unless in the location where the smell will not be troublesome. Shooting skunks near homes/structures is illegal in urban areas of Illinois. What’s more, lethal traps for skunks can only be set in November and December.
How to get rid of a skunk on my property?
Want to remove a skunk from your property? Using a humane, live skunk trap is the best solution. But, how to trap a skunk without getting sprayed? These pesky rodents are less inclined to spray if they don’t see you and if they have unobstructed, open escape route. When skunks don’t feel threatened they prefer to escape rather than spray.
How long does it take for a skunk to read?
Reading Time: 11 minutes. Updated: Feb. 26, 2021. Skunks are shy, intelligent and adorable creatures but not when they spray. Because of the powerful odor, and fear of being sprayed it may be difficult for some people to tolerate smelly creatures living under a deck or old shed. However, skunks need such shelter when they are most vulnerable.
How to release a skunk?
Trap and release a skunk to a far-away remote setting. Use fully-enclosed cage traps that are really effective. When it comes to plastic box traps they are superior to wire traps as they are completely enclosed thus reducing the opportunity of getting sprayed while removing the rodent from the site.
Why is a skunk trap good?
An ideal choice for trapping skunks because it is completely enclosed . The trap is great for trapping skunks in highly populated areas because it protects both the rodent and people passing by.
What is a covered plastic skunk trap?
Features : This covered plastic skunk trap is a high-quality, easy-to-use trap that protects trapped animal and protects you from skunk’s spray.
Why are skunks beneficial to farmers?
Problems : Skunks are beneficial to farmers because they eat a large number of garden and agricultural pests – white grubs, moles, cutworms etc. However, a skunk-sprayed-under-house problem is not fun.
How to get rid of skunks in my yard?
Fill abandoned burrows with gravel and use lids for the garbage cans. Before taking this step to fill the burrows, it is a good idea to be sure you are not trapping in skunks who still live in the burrows. To test, find the burrows you think are empty and put some leaves on top of it. In the morning, check to see if the leaves have been moved. If not, then the skunks have moved on and it is safe to fill the abandoned burrows with gravel. Otherwise, it’s time for a different strategy. 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.
What is a tuff trap?
Tuff Trap Spray Proof Skunk Trap is ideal for rehoming skunks as they cannot possibly spray while in this trap. The trap’s design prohibits the skunk from being able to raise its tail, or arch its back and it is unable to see out so it is not likely to be startled into even needing to spray. 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. The build of this product is awesome but the greatest feature is the guillotine style door on it. This allows you to place the trap right up to the hole so the skunk has no choice but to go inside. This product comes with a five-year limited warranty.
How to get rid of skunk spray smell in house?
The first step in ridding your home of the foul stench of skunk spray is to open all the windows and doors immediately. Turn on the fans and utilize the benefit of a good ventilation system in your home. This will help the smell dissipate. Next, you will need to prepare a solution of water and vinegar. Use 3/4 water, 1/4 vinegar and use this solution to clean the walls and floors of your home. It’s also possible to use chlorine bleach and water to wash the floors .
Why do skunks make holes in my yard?
Skunks make holes in yards because they are looking for food. Sometimes if they can’t find seeds or fruits on the surface, it’s there just below the topsoil to be found. They eat insects, berries, and vegetables. Sometimes you can use fish as bait as well in the traps. You are likely to find their empty burrows around your yard these burrows are a very good indicator that you have a skunk problem on your property and possibly in your home.
How do you know if you have a skunk?
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. You see where I’m going with this. 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. If it’s springtime, it’s possible for a mother skunk to have anywhere from 2-10 of her baby skunks, called kits.
How to test if a skunk has moved?
To test, find the burrows you think are empty and put some leaves on top of it. In the morning, check to see if the leaves have been moved. If not, then the skunks have moved on and it is safe to fill the abandoned burrows with gravel. Otherwise, it’s time for a different strategy.
What is a nighttime solar powered skunk and animal repellent?
100% Eco-Friendly product and 100% Guaranteed. The product is waterproof and deters light nocturnal animals, including skunks. Protect your home, field, and livestock from night animals by using Nighttime Solar Lights. With a solar-powered battery, this product will naturally charge during the day so it will be able to run all through the night. Not only does this product manage skunks but it is useful in preventing other pests, such as coyotes, foxes, wolves, deer, cats, and cougars. This product will automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn. The predator can be stopped from at least 500 yards. There are 2 devices included in the package for complex area coverage. As a bonus, the flashing red light can fool criminals into thinking your property has a security system.
How to keep skunks from scavenging?
Regularly tidy up fruit and nuts that have fallen from trees on the property to keep skunks from scavenging.
How to keep skunks away from my house?
Part 1: Stop the smorgasbord! 1 Cover trash cans with tight-fitting lids and place them in a secure location where they can’t be easily tipped over. 2 Regularly tidy up fruit and nuts that have fallen from trees on the property to keep skunks from scavenging. 3 Don’t let pet food become pest food. Feed your pets indoors, or clean up any leftovers as soon as mealtime is done. Also be sure to supervise your pets outside. Remember, a skunk’s only real defense is his foul smell, so cats and dogs that get this guy riled up are likely to come home stinking to high heaven! 4 Avoid putting kitchen scraps in your compost and keep it well covered until the skunk moves on. 5 The seed you offer to attract songbirds can inadvertently make a tasty snack for skunks. Secure feeders to ensure they can’t be turned over, and be conscientious about cleaning up any spilled seed. 6 Need another reason to mow the lawn? Skunks love the insects that live in tall, lush grass.
How long does skunk repellent last?
Strain the liquid into a spray bottle and squirt plants to make skunks steer clear. Each dose should last up to five days.
How deep should a fence be for skunks?
Skunks are poor climbers and worse jumpers, so a 3-foot fence ought to keep them out of areas, like your garden, where they’re unwanted. Just be sure that whatever you install goes at least a foot deep; skunks are excellent diggers and could easily burrow under a shallow barrier.
What do skunks eat?
Insects are a skunk’s favorite dish, but the opportunistic animals will dine on pretty much anything. Completely cut off their food supply, and they likely won’t stick around.
Do skunks spray people?
Though the black-and-white creatures aren’t innately antagonistic, they will spray people or animals if they feel threatened, leaving behind an awful odor that can linger for days. Even if they don’t make a big stink, skunks are likely to plunder your garden and even make a mess of your garbage.
Can you trap a skunk?
If these methods fail to solve a stubborn skunk who’s made its den on your digs, you may wish to contact a wildlife control professional who will trap and release the animal away from your home. Because skunks can carry rabies among other diseases, it’s definitely not worth trying to do yourself (note: trapping skunks is not legal in every state). Do be persistent and eventually your outdoor space will have the sweet smell of success!
How to keep skunks away from my house?
You can apply the same principle with home remedies to keep skunks away. A good DIY skunk repellent is to use store-bought ammonia. Making your own skunk ammonia-based deterrent is as easy as leaving a bowl of the stuff in areas the animals frequent.
How to get rid of skunks in my garden?
Just sprinkle a handful into existing skunk holes every few days and you’ll be able to eliminate skunks from your garden. What repels skunks in the granules, you might ask. These work because they use a scent that will keep skunks away.
What are some examples of predators that skunks are afraid of?
For example, we know that there are skunk natural predators that skunks are naturally afraid of. These are usually large birds of prey like the great horned owl and red-tailed hawk.
What do skunks eat?
Skunks are omnivores, which means they can eat both plant and animal material. That makes your trash an all-you-can-eat buffet for these creatures.
Why do skunks like to hide?
In the wild, skunks like to burrow or stay somewhere dark and hidden. This helps keep them and their babies safe from predator attacks, particularly those from birds of prey .
Why do skunks hide under decks?
Skunks under the deck are a common problem because these hidden spaces make ideal dens. It’s a dark, very well-protected space that is particularly enticing to pregnant females.
How to scare away a skunk?
So if you’re wondering how to scare away a skunk, one easy way is by taking advantage of their sensitive ears. Remember, the best way to get rid of skunks is to make your home an unlivable habitat.
How to get rid of skunks under a shed?
SIX WAYS TO GET RID OF SKUNKS: 1. If skunks are under a shed, porch, or house, inspect the structure, and find the entry hole (s). 2. If skunks are under a building the best option is to install an exclusion barrier around the building, and a one-way exclusion door on an opening, or the proper sized cage trap s.. 3.
Why do skunks come to my house?
Most skunks come to a home because there is more food in the yard than there is in the forest. Skunks like all the insects that live in tall, lush grass, and they’ll raid vegetable gardens, garbage cans, and compost piles.
What color is a skunk?
A skunk is usually all black with a single white stripe running from the top of its head to the tip of its tail, but skunks can also be a brown/chocolate color as well as all white.
What to do if a skunk falls down a window well?
If a skunk fell down a window well, simply place a wood plank or board down the well , so that the animal can climb out on its own. Skunks under the house or a shed, deck, or porch. If there are skunks under your shed or home, you need to first look at your property and decide just what lured the animals to that location.
What is a baby skunk removal?
Baby skunk removal - A nest of babies under the shed.
Can a dead skunk smell worse than a live skunk?
That being said, a dead skunk usually smells worse than a live skunk, so cage trapping and removal might be the best option if you don’t want skunk scent through your property and on your home. Before you set out to trap the skunk, make sure it is a repeat offender first.
Do skunks dig holes in lawns?
Skunks will dig holes in your lawn and in your garden, and have been known to completely ravage all the food in your garden, bushes as well as eat the bark off of your trees. Skunks will also burrow their way under your house, porch or shed to reproduce.
What Is a Skunk?
Skunks are small furry mammals that typically live in wooded areas. There are about a dozen known skunk species. But perhaps the most familiar type of skunk is the striped skunk.
How To Get Rid of Skunk Smell?
If you end up getting sprayed during your DIY skunk removal, you’ll likely want to wash away the stink right away. But what happens if your dog gets sprayed by a skunk? And how can you get that lingering stink out of clothes? Let’s go ahead and answer those questions!
How To Trap a Skunk?
Skunks with rabies can become a recurring and dangerous problem. If you’re afraid that your local skunks might be infected, you may want to trap your skunks.
Why Do Skunks Spray?
Specifically, skunks use their anal glands to project a stinky solution at predators. This survival mechanism is designed to help skunks escape hungry predators.
How Do You Get Rid of Skunks in Some Specific Places?
You may be wondering how to get rid of skunks that have found themselves in odd places. After all, skunks are known to creep beneath houses, burrow into yards, and form nests inside old piles of chopped wood. Let’s explore some of the ways to remove skunks from their typical hiding places.
How To Keep Skunks Away?
After you’ve gotten rid of skunks in your yard or home, you’ll likely want to keep them away.
How long does skunk spray last?
Skunk spray is an oily liquid that is challenging to scrub away. Pets and people who’ve been sprayed by a skunk might stink for two weeks, sometimes longer. The oily nature of the spray makes it cling to surfaces until it is treated with a skunk odor remover.
How to get rid of skunk oil on a sandbox?
Combine hydrogen peroxide, liquid soap, and baking soda in a container and add warm water if necessary. Use the solution immediately, and massage it onto the affected area with a sponge or washcloth to break up the skunk oil.
How to deter skunks from destroying my house?
If you’d rather not deal with the trouble of trapping and relocating skunks, consider installing an ultrasonic device as a natural skunk deterrent. These units repel skunks from your property and are relatively inexpensive.
What is the best way to repel skunks?
Water is a great natural skunk repellent for your backyard. It is safe and easy to set up, and it forces the skunks to look for a better place to hunt for food.
How to keep skunks away from my yard?
Try to limit natural food sources such as grubs and insect larvae by applying an insecticide to the lawn. Install floodlights near the entry point to your yard since skunks do not appreciate bright lights.
Why are skunks a nuisance?
Skunks are not only a nuisance because they like to get in the garbage cans and make a mess of the yard, but their smelly spraying ability keeps you indoors.
What does a skunk do in the yard?
The skunk enters your yard, triggers the sensor, and a jet of harmless water sprays the area while the unit makes a whirring sound, sending them off to look for a more suitable place to search for food.
What to put in a pot to deter squirrels?
To make this natural deterrent for skunks, chipmunks, squirrels, and other yard pests, fill a pot with water, add some chopped onions, one tablespoon of cayenne pepper powder, and two chopped jalapeno peppers.
How do Havahart traps work?
Havahart traps lure the skunks into a wire cage with food. Once the skunk enters the trap, the door closes behind them. From there, it’s easy to throw a dark blanket over the cage and let it sit, so the skunk relaxes. Moving the skunk to a far away field becomes a bit trickier because you want to avoid getting sprayed.
How far does a skunk spray shoot?
One of the worst things about skunks is the infamous skunk smell from their spray. Skunk spray shoots as far as 12 feet in all directions. If you’re within reach, this is an odor that is extremely hard to get rid of.
How to get rid of skunks and other pests?
When learning how to get rid of skunks and other pests, one of the most common solutions involves using citrus peels. Repel chipmunks naturally, and a variety of other unwanted critters with lemons.
What do skunks eat?
Skunks are small, black and white pests. They are nocturnal animals and usually only come out at night to dig up grubs and larvae and snack in gardens.
How to get rid of skunks in my backyard?
To get rid of skunks and keep cats off your backyard, fill a large pot with tap water and add two sliced jalapenos, one sliced onion, and one tablespoon of cayenne pepper. Bring the spicy mixture to a boil and then immediately turn the heat off and allow it to cool. Pour the skunk deterrent into a garden sprayer.
What is skunk repellent made of?
Commercial skunk repellents are available for purchase at most home-improvement stores. These repellents are made from all-natural ingredients that don’t harm the skunks. Instead, the smell, taste, and feel of the sprays and granules deter them.
How do you know if a skunk is lingering?
A strong smell might be the first sign that a skunk is lingering around, but there are other things to look out for. Skunks leave holes in lawns and flower beds as they look for grubs.
