Information on Skunk Extermination

Repellents

• Skunks have a sensitive sense of smell. The smell of many common household items are quite offensive to them and can give them a reason to find another place to live. Bounce fabric softener, which smells like oleander, is a popular choice. You can place the dryer sheets around your house to discourage critters. Ammonia also works, although the smell is not pleasant to humans either. You can try a mix of Tabasco sauce, garlic powder and corn oil. Mix four tablespoons of the spices and half a teaspoon of corn oil in a quart of water. Use a spray bottle to spray the mix around the perimeter of your house. Bright lights on motion sensors, and automatic sprinkles will also discourage your black and white friends from camping out.

Barriers

• Skunks are terrible climbers, therefore a simple barrier can be effective. If you have areas that may be appealing; trash can areas, compost heaps, outdoor feeding stations and the like, fence them off to prevent skunks from getting to them. Large areas can be contained with chicken wire mesh. You can also use fencing to block off areas under porches or sheds that could be perceived as potential homes by skunks. Make sure the spacing in the fence is very narrow -- skunks will fit through spaces as little as four inches. They also have sharp claws and will dig if the motivation is right, so remember to sink your fence into the ground when you erect it.

Eviction

• If a skunk has already establish a home it will keep coming back to it as long as it's there. Sprinkle a line of flour around the area you believe the skunk is living. It should be a few inches wide and should be long enough to span the entire entrance area. After sunset, check your flour line for prints going out. Once you are sure your skunk is not home, board up its den so it cannot re-enter.

Trapping

• If the skunk will not relocate itself on its own, trapping may be necessary. Purchase a havahart trap at a local supply store. Place it near the skunk's den and bait it with a strong smelling food. Cat food is a popular favorite. You can place a towel over the back side of the trap to make the skunk easier to approach once trapped. Check your trap often. Once the skunk is caught, place the entire trap in a plastic tote for transport. If you cover the trap with the towel to keep it dark (but not smothering) it will be slightly less stressful on the skunk. Drive the skunk to a suitable new home many miles away and release it. It may not leave the trap immediately. Be patient. You can tip the trap slightly so the door is angled toward the ground for encouragement.

Prevention

• The best way to deal with a skunk is to prevent it from moving in in the first place. Keep your trash secure in a metal trashcan with a lid. Fence off outdoor compost heaps. Close off gaps under your house or shed. Do not store pet food outside in the open. If you feed animals outside, pick up the empty dishes before nightfall. These will all help keep skunks away from your home.