The Problem With Skunks
Skunks are not the biggest form of wildlife that will invade your property, as they’re rarely bigger than house cats. However, they can be some of the most problematic animals to deal with. When skunks are disturbed, they will emit a spray from the glands on their rear end. This spray is a mixture of sulfur and other organic compounds designed specifically to repel larger animals (including humans.) This pungent odor will remain on your clothes and skin after multiple washings.
Fortunately, most predators get scared off by a skunk’s black and white coloring, which is why they rarely use their spray. However, if you bother with one that wanders into your yard, your chances of getting sprayed are too high for comfort. Along with an intense smell, this spray can cause severe harm for humans, even resulting in fatalities when close contact is involved. Skunks are also carriers of rabies, other dangerous diseases, and parasitic insects. So maybe the best strategy is to not bother with them?
Well, not necessarily. If left unattended, skunks can do a lot of damage to your yard. If you’re an avid gardener, skunks may be your worst nightmare. Putting all of your hard work to waste, they’ll dig large holes in your lawn or flower beds, typically in search of a convenient source of food like grubs or other insects. Plus, if you have pets that venture too close to a skunk, they’ll wind up bringing this repugnant odor into your home, if sprayed.
Stopping The Stench (For Good)
In order to avoid an inconvenient skunk infestation that can damage your lawn and put you and your pets at risk, having the right prevention plan is crucial. There are a variety of things you can do on your own to either prevent a future infestation or get rid of a current one.
Since skunks are nocturnal and dig holes in your yard at night as they hunt, bright lights in the yard can scare them off. Obviously, lighting up the yard for the whole night is unrealistic, but you can use a few strategically placed lights equipped with motion sensors to ward off skunk activity.
As with most wildlife, citrus scents can repel skunks. Oranges and lemon peels placed around the yard can be effective deterrents. You’ll also be able to find (in local stores or online) different kinds of predator urine, chemicals that mimic the presence of dogs or coyotes.
Once a skunk finds its way onto your property, it can be incredibly dangerous to confront it yourself. Your chances of being sprayed with their dangerous emissions drastically increase when you try to confront them yourself.
Instead of wasting your money on inconsistent store-bought remedies and risking exposure to a nasty, potentially dangerous spray, enlist the help of a professional wildlife technician from Smith’s Pest Management. Our experienced technicians have years of experience and professional solutions to make your skunk problems a thing of the pest. Contact Smith’s Pest Management for more advice or assistance.
