How to Eliminate a Lingering Skunk Smell Underneath a House

A skunk's scent is immediately distinguishable from other odors. In fact, the word "skunk" is likely to evoke a reaction from most people. If a skunk has gotten underneath your home, you should first make sure that the animal is no longer there. Once the animal is removed, you can try one of several methods to remove any lingering odors before they take over your home completely.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 qt. hydrogen peroxide
• 1 tsp. liquid soap
• Buckets
• Wooden spoon
• Liquid chlorine bleach

Instructions

Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

1. Mix 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 qt. hydrogen peroxide and 1 tsp. liquid soap in a bucket with an old wooden spoon.

2. Pour the mixture quickly in the area where the skunk has sprayed. The hydrogen peroxide and baking soda react quickly with each other, so speed is of the essence.

3. Allow the mixture to work for a few minutes. If any smell remains, repeat the application with a new batch of baking soda, peroxide and soap.

Bleach

1. Add 1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water in a bucket. If you need a larger amount of bleach solution, increase the amounts according to those proportions.

2. Test the bleach solution in an inconspicuous location to make sure that the area will not be harmed.

3. Pour the bleach solution directly onto the area sprayed by the skunk. If any odor remains, apply additional bleach and water to the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use either of these methods on pets or people that have been sprayed by a skunk.

• Be careful using either method near plants, as the bleach or the peroxide can harm them. Wet the vegetation thoroughly before using either method.

References

• Humboldt State University; Deodorize Skunk Spray; William F. Wood
• University of California Integrated Pest Management Program; Skunks; T. P. Salmon