Sasha CampbellYou’ve probably had a run-in with a skunk at some point. These animals are best known for their strong defensive odor, which can make encounters with them memorable.
If you’ve had enough of these smelly pests and are looking for a natural skunk repellent or ways to keep them away, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite home remedies and natural methods below.
How to Get Rid of Skunks Naturally
Some of these tips require patience and perseverance, but they will be worth it in the end!
1. Clean Up Fallen Fruits and Nuts
One of the best ways to deter a skunk from visiting is to make your property unappealing to it.
Start by cleaning up fallen fruits and nuts. These are a favorite food of skunks, so if you take away their food source, they’re less likely to stick around.
2. Cover Trash Cans
Covering your trash cans can also keep skunks out of your yard.
Skunks are attracted to garbage and often rummage through it in search of food. If you can keep the smell of food hidden, it will make it less likely that they will venture near your home.
3. Cover Compost
Skunks are scavengers, so they’re drawn to any available food type.
So, keep compost in a secure bin with a tight-fitting lid and avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods that can attract wildlife.
4. Pepper Spray
Some gardeners report success using homemade pepper sprays around problem areas, although results can vary.
To make homemade pepper spray for skunks, fill a pot with 1 quart of water, add 1 hot pepper, and 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper.
Let it boil, then remove it from the heat. Use it as a natural skunk repellent for your yard when it cools down.
5. Peppermint Oil
Some homeowners use peppermint oil because its strong scent may discourage skunks from lingering in treated areas.
To give it a try, spritz it around problem areas. You can also put a few drops on a cotton ball and place it where you’ve seen skunk activity.
Alternatively, make a spray by mixing 15 drops of peppermint oil with a cup of water, then spray it on problem areas to repel skunks from your yard. This plant-based repellent may also help keep squirrels, groundhogs, and chipmunks away.
6. Secure Bird Feeders
Make sure that bird feeders are not easily accessible.
Skunks love to eat birdseed, so if you have a bird feeder that is low to the ground or unsecured, a skunk will likely find it and help itself to a meal.
7. Put Up a Fence
Another method is to put up a fence. A properly installed fence can significantly reduce the chances of skunks entering your yard.
Bury the fence about a foot deep.
8. Secure Pet Food
Skunks are attracted to food in general, including that of your pet. Therefore, it is essential to ensure your pet’s food is kept secure.
9. Protect Chicken Coops
Skunks may also visit chicken coops looking for eggs, spilled feed, or insects.
Store feed securely and repair any openings around the coop to prevent access.
10. Predator Urine
Some animals prey on skunks. Their natural predators include coyotes, bobcats, and foxes.
Commercial predator urine products, particularly coyote urine, are sometimes used to discourage skunks. However, results are mixed, and animals may become accustomed to the scent over time.
You can buy predator urine products online or at some hunting supply stores.
Soak some cotton balls in the solution and place them in areas where you expect the critters to show up. However, you must reapply them every few days or after it rains.
11. Citrus Peels
Some homeowners report that citrus scents may help deter skunks. This method tends to work best when combined with other deterrents.
Sprinkle them around the perimeter of your property and see if they help reduce skunk activity.
You can also make a homemade citrus spray by boiling water and adding citrus peels. Let it steep for 24 hours and then strain out the peels.
Add the solution to a spray bottle and spritz it on the problem areas.
12. Chicken Wire
Another effective way to keep skunks out is to use chicken wire.
Install chicken wire to seal off entry points under your house, shed, and deck to prevent them from living there. And if you have a garden, protect it with chicken wire, too.
13. Treat Lawn for Grubs
If skunks are visiting your yard, it’s likely because they’re searching for food.
Skunks often dig small cone-shaped holes in lawns while searching for grubs and other insects. So, reducing grub populations can make your yard less attractive to them.
This article highlights natural methods to treat your lawn for grubs. The remedies there are also safe to use around pets.
14. Remove All Food Sources
As highlighted, removing all food sources from your property is one of the best ways to get skunks out of your yard. Skunks are scavengers and will eat just about anything.
They’ll move on to another place if you can keep them from finding food.
15. Remove Shelter Options
Removing food sources alone will not permanently get skunks out of your yard; you must also remove their shelter options.
So seal under the house foundation and remove any wood or debris piles. They also like to live under sheds and decks.
16. Motion-Activated Deterrents
Consider investing in a motion-detection sprinkler to help with your skunk problem. These nifty devices can be found at most home improvement stores and work by spraying water at anything that triggers them.
You can also try a nightlight. Skunks are primarily nocturnal [1], so sudden lights and unexpected activity may discourage them from visiting an area.
You can stop skunks from hanging around by setting up these motion-activated deterrents in your yard.
17. Skunk Trap
Another method for removing a skunk from your premises without harming it is to set a trap.
You will need a trap with a door that springs shut when the skunk steps on a trigger plate inside.
It is best to bait the trap with food that will not spoil, such as cat food, marshmallows, or dog biscuits. Place the bait in the back of the trap so the skunk has to step on the trigger plate to reach it.
Once the skunk is trapped, follow local wildlife regulations regarding relocation or contact a wildlife professional for assistance.
Note:
Before trapping a skunk, check your local wildlife regulations. In some areas, relocating wildlife is restricted or prohibited.
If trapping is allowed, follow local guidelines or contact a wildlife professional for assistance.
18. Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent (Commercial Option)
Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent helps keep unwanted animals away. It uses a unique blend of ingredients to make treated areas unappealing to wildlife without harming them.
The formula discourages common garden pests, such as skunks, rabbits, and squirrels, from feeding, digging, and chewing.
When used as directed, it offers long-lasting protection. However, you may need to reapply it after heavy rain or in areas with heavy animal activity.
Takeaway
If you’re unlucky enough to have a skunk take up residence in your yard, you can use a few natural remedies to get rid of it. The methods above can help make your property less attractive to skunks and encourage them to move elsewhere.
These DIY remedies can help discourage skunks from staying in your yard while reducing the chances of an unpleasant encounter. If all else fails, call a professional to help you out.
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