How to Get Skunks Out of Your Yard Before They Ruin Your Garden

The second you smell them or see their bushy black-and-white tails scurry away, many people immediately start researching how to get rid of skunks. This could be thanks to their spray, which puts off quite a pungent odor, or because they’re the culprit of your messy backyard.

Although frustrating, these mammals are pretty quiet and docile individuals, releasing their musk only when they feel threatened and searching around for edible items to eat and a place to call home—which could be available around your house.

If you have an infestation on your hands, there are several ways of safely managing it. These methods and knowledge surrounding skunks are backed by expert Bill Dowd, the CEO of Skedaddle Humane Animal Control, and will help you swiftly and safely get rid of skunks around your home.

Meet the Expert

Bill Dowd is the CEO and founder of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, which was founded in 1989 and operates across Canada and the U.S.

Signs of a Skunk Infestation

If you’re unsure but suspect that there’s a skunk infestation around your home, there are a few signs to look out for:

• You smell their odor: The spray released from the anal glands of a skunk is almost impossible to miss. Dowd says that “what you smell on the highway is nothing compared to if you’re right beside a skunk and it sprays”—just one drop is enough to cause nausea and illness.
• You see a football-sized hole: Dowd notes this could be under your deck, shed, front steps, back porch steps, house, or in any area without foundation.
• You see circles in your lawn: It could be snakes or moles, but Dowd says if you have a grub problem in your lawn and notice circles dotting your grass, you could have skunks who are searching for food.
• You see the skunk: It may be a quick flash of a tail at night or spotting one on a walk during the day, but they’re nearby.

How to Get Rid of Skunks

There are two main methods experts use to get rid of skunks. The first is removal and reuniting, and the second is trapping.

Call a Pro

It’s always safest to have a professional involved when getting rid of an infestation, as they’re trained and know how to remove skunks safely.

Removal, Reuniting, and Barricading

This method involves chasing and removing adults from the areas where they’ve created dens, as well as removing any babies (or pups). Pups are then reunited with their mothers who will take them to a new home.

“Most urban wildlife have seven to 10 den sites in a two-mile radius,” Dowd says. “So, these skunks will know of other sites to go to.”

After skunks are removed, barriers are put in place beneath decks, sheds, homes, and stairs to prevent skunks from reclaiming it as their home, even if they return to try.

“Because of the nature of skunks, you can’t just seal up the one hole where they’re coming and going—they’ll just go to the other side, dig another hole, and get right back in,” Dowd says.

It’s more labor-intensive but putting screens and barriers in place dissuades them from burrowing in the first place or doing so again. 

Trapping

One of the most commonly used and biggest skunk removal methods is trapping. Dowd says this involves setting a live trap, capturing the skunk, and then releasing it into another area. But, this should rarely ever be the first method you try. Dowd notes that statistics show that trapped skunks that get relocated almost never survive.

He also notes that putting bait or food in a trap can attract other skunks in the area and notify them of this potential den site. Not only this, but trapping and relocating is illegal in some states and counties.

Additionally, some homeowners will try to purchase or rent traps. Regardless, of the method you decide on, unless you’re an expert, trying to trap skunks yourself isn’t recommended.

How to Prevent Skunks From Coming Back and Keep Them Away in the First Place

The best way to get rid of skunks quickly and efficiently is through preventative measures. Once skunks have infested your home, removal and reuniting or trapping must take place first.

By taking the following steps, you can prevent skunks in the first place or keep them away once they’re removed.

Animal-Proof Your Home With Physical Barriers

Dowd says animal-proofing your home is the most effective way of keeping skunks away for good. Physical barriers, such as netting and fencing installed beneath the ground, will block skunks from getting under your shed, house, or deck.

While they may try to make a den or comeback, having these in place will deter skunks. Avoid using chickenwire, as they can chew through this.

Dowd says opting for thicker-gauge wire that won’t rust or deteriorate is best or recruiting a wildlife expert to provide the correct dimensions, installation, and coverage.

Install Motion Sensor Sprinklers

Sprinklers work in two ways to deter skunks. It startles them and it gets them wet. This unexpected shower will send skunks in the other direction and prevents you and your family from getting sprayed by their musk.

Keep Your Garbage Sealed and Indoors

Skunks like garbage and are more than happy to dig through yours. Keep your trash sealed and indoors or inside of a garage and take it out in the morning of collection rather than at night. That way skunks (and other pests like raccoons and possums) won’t make a meal out of it.

Use a Dripping Hose

Dowd notes that skunks don’t like getting wet or taking up residence in a constantly muddy and wet area, especially for sleeping. If you lay out a dripping hose beneath decks, patios, foundations, or sheds that they can dig beneath, it’ll be too moist for them.

“If it’s wet all the time and they have other den sites, they’re going to go elsewhere,” Dowd says.

Don’t Feed Them, and Keep Pet Food Inside

While you might enjoy interacting with wildlife, it’s best to keep your distance. Don’t feed skunks or their babies. If you feed any pets outside, clean up the remaining food and any mess and keep food bowls indoors, otherwise, skunks may come around to eat the leftovers.

What Not to Do With Skunk Infestations

Here are several things not to do with a skunk infestation if you come across one:

• Do not trap skunks yourself: Dowd notes that this is dangerous for both you and the skunk. It’s best to call in wildlife experts.
• Do not assume skunks are gone for good: Even if it’s been a while, it’s best to keep barriers in place. Dowd explains that skunks have great memories, and some have been known to return years later to see if they can get back into the den.
• Do not approach skunks: Expert wildlife removal experts and pest control teams have specialized training and will know how to deal with skunks. It’s best to keep your distance and avoid being sprayed. Although they’re nocturnal, Dowd notes mother skunks sometimes take a walk during the day to get away from her kids for a while—it doesn’t mean the animal is sick or rabid.
• Do not allow kids and pets to approach skunks: Educate kids about wildlife and teach them about maintaining respectful and safe distances. When they’re on a leash, don’t allow dogs to approach skunks. Of course, if pets approach on their own, it’s a matter of cleaning them after being sprayed.
• Do not try to remove a skunk if it gets indoors: Call for expert help if one gets in through a side door or into a basement. If a skunk feels threatened it will spray and it can cost you thousands in damage, removal, and replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get rid of skunks fast?

The best way to get rid of skunks is to animal-proof your home, keep food and garbage indoors, and block potential “homes” for skunks. To get rid of pre-existing skunks, contacting a wildlife control expert is best.

Do skunks come back to the same place?

Yes. Skunks are persistent creatures and once they have a home they will often try to return after they’re removed. They will also try to return the following mating season. The best method of defense is animal-proofing your home so it can’t access its former den site.

What time of night do skunks come out?

Skunks are nocturnal creatures, meaning most of their activity happens at night. That being said, mother skunks who need a break from rowdy kits may be found taking a walk during the day, so don’t assume a skunk in daylight is sick!

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Read the original article on The Spruce.