How to Get Rid of a Skunk Safely

These foul critters can be a nuisance. Handle them smartly with these tips.

If your yard has been smelling extra pungent lately, you may have a skunk problem. Skunks can do more than bring foul odors, though, as they may dig holes in your lawn and garden and nibble on plants. The striped critters can also carry diseases that spread to humans and pets. And, of course, no one wants to be assailed by a skunk’s pungent spray. If you suspect a skunk problem, check out these steps to identify and eliminate skunks to protect your home and garden.

Related: How to Keep Animals Out of Your Garden Without Losing Your Mind

How to Identify a Skunk's Presence

Their distinctive smell is the easiest way to identify a skunk’s presence. You may notice a musky odor under a building, wood pile, or other structure where skunks burrow. Skunks’ natural scent is pungent and can smell similar to garlic or rotting eggs. Skunks are naturally shy creatures and are most active at night, so you’re more likely to smell them than to see them. However, you will know if you see a skunk, as their signature black and white-striped fur is easy to identify.

Skunks release their infamous toxic-smelling spray as a last resort when they are cornered and feel threatened. Although the smell of their spray is people's biggest complaint about skunks, their spray can also sting when it hits the eyes, causing intense discomfort to people and pets. Keep kids and pets away from areas with skunks, as they may corner the animals, spurring them to release their smelly spray.

In addition to their smell, skunks can be a nuisance because of their digging. If skunks are near your home, you may see small, shallow holes in your lawn or garden. In contrast with moles, which dig long, twisty tunnels that appear as raised earth, skunks dig small, conical holes. Skunks forage for food by digging, and they may also nibble on the lower leaves of garden plants or ripening crops like corn, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

Skunks can pose a public health risk to humans and pets. They may carry a variety of diseases, including rabies, leptospirosis, listeriosis, canine distemper, canine hepatitis, Q-fever, and tularemia. See medical attention if a skunk bites or scratches you or your pet. Keeping your pet up to date on rabies and other vaccines is crucial to prevent infection from skunks and other wildlife.

Safe Removal Methods

If you have a skunk problem, don't fret—there are a few ways to safely remove skunks from your property.

Predator Scents

A natural method is to use the scent of predators to scare them away. Unlike some other wildlife, skunks are shy and easily scared, so smells from predators can frighten them enough to leave permanently. “One safe skunk removal method is spreading the urine of a predator around the home,” says Miguel Camperos, VP of Operations of SunVara. “Skunks aren’t going to risk being near a predator. This is easier than most people expect because skunks view dogs as predators, so if you have a dog, let them out to pee as often as they want.”

When you let your dog out, supervise them to ensure your pet doesn’t try to confront the skunk. Another natural repellent you can use is cat litter. Sprinkle used kitty litter around the areas where the skunk lives to deter them from staying.

Skunk Repellents

If you don’t have a cat or dog for a natural predator smell, try using commercial or homemade capsaicin or castor oil repellents, advises the Humane Society of the United States. (Capsaicin comes from chili peppers!) You can get capsaicin or castor oil repellents from home and garden stores or online.

Humane Traps

If you have a persistent skunk or skunks on your hands, a humane trap can safely remove them. A live trap will lure the skunk in and contain them until they can be released. Contact an animal control person for help with live skunk removal, as they will need to relocate the skunk once it’s trapped. Also, a skunk can carry diseases or spray out of fear when trapped, so a professional is your best option for trapping a skunk.

Preventing Skunk Infestations

A few preventative measures will keep these critters at bay,

Maintain a Tidy Yard

Keeping your yard and garden clear of food sources and den options can help prevent skunk infestations. Clean up any pet food in your yard, remove bird feeders, and ensure all garbage is tightly secured in cans with tight lids.

“Some things in your yard that might be attracting skunks include garbage cans, pet food, crawl spaces (to create homes), water bowls, lumber, grills, and bird/squirrel feeders,” says Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love. “They are similar to raccoons in that they are opportunists, meaning that they will pretty much take advantage of anything that might benefit them in some way, regardless of what it is.”

Set Up Barriers

If skunks have chosen areas to live near your home, such as under a porch or wood pile, you can place barriers to prevent them from entering. The Human Society says you can "permanently exclude skunks (and other den-seeking creatures) with an L-shaped footer of welded wire or similar barriers."

Manicure Your Lawn

Also, make sure your yard is well-manicured and does not host a large amount of grubs. “Lawns, especially new lawns, are attractive to skunks, as they tend to be heavily watered and loaded with worms and grubs,” says Meg Pearson, training manager at Critter Control. “Skunks dig small holes where grubs are located, which can damage your lawn very quickly. Controlling the grubs and insects in the yard can aid in helping deter skunks.”

Dealing with Skunk Odor

Skunk odor is one of the most foul-smelling scents, and it’s not easy to eliminate. But removing the aroma before the spray dries will help get rid of the musky smell more easily. You can make your own solution to neutralize skunk odors by combining baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and liquid dish soap.

Try the following mixture to get rid of skunks:

• 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide

• 1/4 cup baking soda

• 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap

Spray this solution on skunk-affected areas, or bathe your pet in it if your pet has been sprayed by a skunk. Follow your pet’s treatment with pet shampoo. If skunk spray gets on clothes or fabrics, put them in the washing machine and use regular laundry detergent mixed with a half-cup of baking soda.

Some simple home remedies can help eliminate skunk odors in your home. White vinegar can combat skunk scents in carpets, while baking soda will help neutralize odors in clothing. Also, ventilate your home well.

“If a skunk sprays inside your house, open the windows and run fans to air out the house,” says Pearson. “Bowls of vinegar around the house can act as a deodorizer. Wash fabrics immediately. If a skunk sprays the exterior of your house, skunk spray can contaminate hard surfaces like floors or walls. Scrub with one cup of bleach in a gallon of water.”

Legal Considerations

Before you try to eliminate a skunk on your property, learn about local wildlife laws. The best way to adhere to regulations is to check with your local wildlife control agency and hire a professional pest control company.

“From a legal standpoint, most jurisdictions affirm homeowners’ right to protect their properties from nuisance animals,” says Min Hwan Ahn, attorney at the Law Office of Ahn & Sinowitz. Homeowners are typically encouraged to use exclusion techniques and live traps and to release the skunks within a certain distance from where they were captured, Ahn adds.

“However, there are certain restrictions and guidelines to follow, which vary from state to state. In some areas, homeowners might need to acquire permits before they can legally remove skunks or other wildlife pests from their properties. This ensures that any removal methods are humane and do not inflict unnecessary pain or suffering to the animals.”

Call a professional for help with removal, as local rabies laws and regulations may also dictate that only professionals can handle skunks and other wildlife.

Related: 8 Pest Control Companies That'll Get Rid of Uninvited Rodent & Insect Guests

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