You’ve probably had a run-in with a skunk at some point in your life. They’re not the prettiest creatures, and their smell is, well, let’s just say it’s unforgettable.
If you’ve had enough of these smelly pests and are looking for natural ways to get rid of them, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite home remedies and natural methods below.
Keep in mind that some of these tips may require a little bit of patience and perseverance, but they’ll be worth it in the end!
Here’s how to get rid of skunks naturally:
1. Clean Up Fallen Fruits and Nuts
One of the best ways to stop a skunk from coming around is to make your property undesirable to them.
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
Another way to keep skunks out of your yard is to make sure that your trash cans are covered.
These creatures are attracted to garbage, and they’ll often dig through it in search of food. If you can keep the smell of food hidden, it’ll make it less likely that they’ll venture near your home.
3. Cover Compost
You should also cover up your compost. Skunks are scavengers, so they’re drawn to any food type that is available.
If you can’t cover your compost, try to disguise the smell by mixing in citrus peels or coffee grounds.
4. Pepper Spray
Pepper spray can also deter skunks. All you have to do is make some and use it to spray the areas that you want them to stay away from.
To make a homemade pepper spray for skunks, fill a pot with a quart of water and add one hot pepper along with a tablespoon of cayenne pepper.
Let it boil, then remove it from the heat. When it cools down, use it as a skunk repellent for your yard.
5. Peppermint Oil
You can also spritz peppermint oil around problem areas. Skunks hate the smell of peppermint, so this is a great natural way to deter them.
Just put a few drops on a cotton ball and place it where you’ve seen skunk activity.
You can also make a spray by mixing 15 drops of peppermint oil with a cup of water and spraying it at problem areas to repel skunks from your yard. This plant-based repellent will also keep away squirrels, groundhogs, and chipmunks.
6. Secure Bird Feeders
Make sure that bird feeders are not easily accessible.
Skunks love to eat bird seed, so if you have a bird feeder that is low to the ground or not secured, it’s likely that a skunk will find it and help itself to a meal.
7. Put Up a Fence
Another method is to put up a fence. Now, this won’t keep them out entirely, but it will make it more difficult for them to get into 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’s important to make sure that you keep your pet’s food secure.
9. Night Light
Try a nightlight. These pests are mostly nocturnal [1], so their eyes are sensitive to light.
If you install a nightlight in your yard, it might scare skunks away, especially if it’s motion-activated.
10. Predator Urine
Some animals prey on skunks. Their natural predators include coyotes, bobcats, and foxes.
So, when skunks catch a whiff of urine from one of these predators, it freaks them out and makes them think they’re in danger.
You can buy products containing predator urine online or at some hunting supply stores. Just be sure to choose the right kind. Coyote and fox urine work great.
They are also scared of dog urine and human urine.
To use, soak some cotton balls in the solution and place them in areas where you expect the critters to show up. However, you’ll need to reapply every few days or after it rains.
11. Citrus Peels
Citrus peels also deter skunks. These animals don’t like the smell of citrus fruits.
So sprinkle some around the perimeter of your property, and you should see a reduction in skunk activity.
You can also make a homemade citrus spray by boiling water and adding citrus peels to the mix. Let it steep for 24 hours, and then strain out the peels.
Finally, add the solution to a spray bottle and spritz it on the problem areas.
12. Chicken Wire
Another great home remedy is to use chicken wire.
Install chicken wire to seal off entry points that lead to 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 coming around to your yard, it’s likely because they’re looking for food. And more often than not, that food is grubs living in your lawn.
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, one of the best ways to get skunks out of your yard is to remove all food sources from your property. Skunks are scavengers and will eat just about anything.
If you can keep them from finding food, they’ll move on to another place.
15. Remove Shelter Options
To permanently get skunks out of your yard, removing food sources alone will not do it; you also need to remove their shelter options.
This means sealing up under the house foundation and getting rid of any piles of wood or debris. They also like to live under sheds and decks.
16. Motion Detection Sprinkler
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 sets them off.
By setting up a motion-detection sprinkler in your yard, you can stop the critters from hanging around.
17. Skunk Trap
Another method to remove a skunk from your premises without harming it is to set up a trap.
You will need a trap that has a door that springs shut when the skunk steps on a trigger plate inside the trap.
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 it’s trapped, try releasing it somewhere else.
Takeaway
If you’re unlucky enough to have a skunk take up residence in your yard, there are a few natural remedies you can use to get rid of it. The list above highlights it all.
These DIY remedies will make them leave or scare them away without you getting sprayed. If all else fails, call a professional to help you out.
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