An encounter with an angry or frightened skunk can be, well, memorable, and not in a good way. A skunk’s smelly spray has been known to stop even bears in their tracks, and the pungent aroma can be detected by humans up to a mile away. Skunk spray is actually a sulfur compound, and with a range of up to 15 feet, this form of defense for the critter can certainly become an issue.
To make matters worse, not only will a peeved Pepe Le Pew spray your cat or dog, or even you, but skunks can also ruin lawns and gardens by digging holes in search for grubs in the soil, as their diet mostly consists of beetles, larvae and earthworms. That’s why it’s so important to keep skunks out of your yard and garden!
Tips for Keeping Skunks Away
Skunks do much of their damage at night. Bright lights are a great way to repel skunks, though are likely to attract unwanted bugs instead. Using a skunk repellent alleviates this concern. By using an effective skunk repellent such as Critter Ridder®, you will be able to stop skunks from coming in your yard, ruining your garden you worked hard for and digging through your trash.
You can also create a homemade repellent to keep skunks out of a yard by mixing together cayenne pepper, onions, jalapeno peppers and water and spraying it near the entrance to the skunk’s den. Unfortunately, these concoctions don’t always work, and like our friend the skunk, they stink!
Trapping Your Skunk Invader
Along with rats and armadillos, some wildlife experts rank skunks in the top three when it comes to difficulty in trapping, so catching one can be a challenge. If you have a live skunk trap, it's important to ensure you use the best bait for skunks. Baits that work to trap a skunk include canned fish (such as sardines), fresh insect larvae (such as may beetles), crisp bacon, cat food or bread with peanut butter. Simply place in whichever bait you choose in your skunk trap.
What to Do When You've Caught A Skunk
Some skunk removal tips can help you dispose of it safely and effectively. Once you’ve caught the skunk, approach carefully with a towel or sheet and cover the trap. If a skunk can’t see you, there’s less of a chance it will spray. Another important skunk removal tip is to transport the skunk to a remote area far from your home for release.
