How to Keep Skunks Out of a Yard

Skunks can be found everywhere in the United States. Although skunks are unwelcome visitors because of the odor of their musk, they are quiet animals and usually won't spray unless they are threatened. With a few humane animal control techniques, you can keep your yard skunk-free.

Instructions

1. Fill all skunk holes in the yard with loose dirt. If the skunk is in the hole, it will dig out during the night. To be sure the skunk has left the den, sprinkle some powder around the opening and watch for footprints. If the skunk doesn't return after three days, close the opening with a board or screen.

2. Secure all openings to your home and other structures with wire mesh or boards. This includes air vents, openings to crawl spaces and stair wells.

3. Purchase motion-sensitive oscillating sprinklers. Skunks will be deterred from entering your yard after they've been startled with a sprinkler a few times.

4. Place shallow dishes with ammonia-soaked rags around your yard wherever you've seen skunks; the scent will deter them. However, avoid getting the ammonia on your lawn, as it will burn the grass.

5. Cover compost piles and clean up any debris in your yard that might provide space for a skunk to make a den. Elevate wood piles so that skunks can't burrow under them.

6. Bury a 12-inch extension of chicken wire under your fence. This will prevent skunks from digging under your fence.

7. Keep garbage cans and pet food containers tightly closed.

Tips & Warnings

• Trapping a skunk usually isn't recommended, because if your yard is attractive to one skunk, it will be attractive to others as well. Deterrence is the best option.