How to Keep Skunks Away From Your Outside Pet Food

Skunks are slow, omnivorous mammals, members of the weasel family. They tend to spray a foul, pungent odor as a defense if they feel threatened. They can be about the size of a house cat (about 4 to 10 pounds). In search of food, skunks easily slip into residential and suburban areas. If you have unprotected pet food outside, skunks will eat it. This can be annoying because they are depriving your pet of food.

Things You'll Need

  • Motion detector lights
  • Shake Away for Small Critters
  • Metal trash container
  • Skunk trap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up motion detector lights around the area where you keep your pet's food. Since skunks are nocturnal, they will avoid the light.

    • 2

      Use a repellent to deter the skunks. A good repellent to use is Shake Away for Small Critters. Sprinkle it on the ground that surrounds your pet's food. Be careful not to get it in your pet's food.

    • 3

      Try using a metal trash container with a lid to store your pet's food in. Be sure the lid stays securely fastened to prevent any smells from escaping, and to make sure the skunk cannot knock it off. You can also use wire, rope or bungee cords if you feel you need it.

    • 4

      Trap the skunks. Place the trap/s near the pet food. The dimensions should be at least 11-by-12-by-30 inches. Put bait inside of it. A good bait would be peanut butter (works well because it won't attract cats). After the skunk is trapped, you can relocate it to a remote place far from your home. Put at least a few miles between your home and the skunk. This will minimize the chances of it returning.